The Buchanan Area Senior Center honored  volunteers Thursday evening at a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. The dinner was served by staff and attended by 65 volunteers. All volunteers who taught classes and those with 15 or more volunteer hours during the past year received a gift, and special recognition awards were handed out by Volunteer Coordinator, Joann Dodson, and Board President, Russell Stephens.

Five individuals were honored with Above and Beyond Awards for always stepping forward to help the staff when needed, quite often at a moment’s notice. Those volunteers were Jeanne Harris, Marilyn Holden, Pat Peterek, Helen Keeler, and Mary Speckine. Harris and Speckine also serve on the board of directors at the center.

Josetta Bibbs was awarded the Most Diverse Volunteer, as she is ready to volunteer for whatever is needed, including Bingo caller, potluck and kitchen help, and newsletter mailing. Ron Hartline, Eleanor Catalano, and Jeff Moad were awarded as volunteer drivers for the center to transport patrons to doctor appointments.

Joan McGuire received an award for Most Hours Volunteered. McGuire retired as receptionist at the senior center in 2016, and began volunteering with table and tree decorations for the center, commodity distribution, and whatever else was needed. Her grandson, Keston McGuire, often comes with her when she volunteers at the center, and he received a special volunteer award. Volunteer Coordinator Joann Dodson said that his smile is contagious, his kindness is immense, and everyone adores him.

The People’s Choice Award went to volunteer and board member Leona Wonacott for the second year. Dodson said Wonacott is a constant presence in the building, heading up the craft room and leading the center’s decorators, helping in the kitchen and at the front desk as needed, driving for field trips, and much more.

Russell Stephens was honored as Volunteer of the Year. Stephens said he acquired an appreciation and interest in the center through his mother, Charlotte, who was an integral part of the senior center for many years. Stephens is currently in his fifth term serving as director on the board, with more than 12 years of board service. He has also served as president for the past five years.

Stephens was instrumental in researching the location and specifications for the center’s new building and home, working many hours with the planning team regarding architectural design for the building as well as working with the construction team. He continues to guide and help the center through maintaining the building and future projects.

As president of the board of directors, Stephens chairs all of  the center’s committees and oversees the annual budget for each year. Behind the scenes, he provides in-kind and financial support for the center, sponsoring programs, tickets, and scholarships, making it possible for patron participation which otherwise would not be possible.

The center has several volunteer opportunities available. Interested volunteers may pick up a volunteer packet at the center.

The Buchanan Area Senior Center is a community focal point on aging, where area older adults come together for services, programs, and activities that reflect their experiences and skills and seek to respond to their diverse needs and interests, enhance their dignity, support their independence, and encourage their involvement with the community and this Center. The BASC is located at 810 Rynearson Street, Buchanan. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Call (269) 695-7119 or visit their Facebook page.