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Oswego County – Yesterday, September 22, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) held their 53rd annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Oswego Elks Lodge.
There, three seniors were given Lifetime Achievement Awards in honor of their service. These awards are reserved for those who have completed a minimum of 4,000 documented service hours to the community. This year’s honorees were: Deborah Halliday, Gary Roy, and Joan Southwell.
The program also celebrates active volunteers in their 90s with the 90s Club Awards. Among this year’s award winners were Jean Feeney, Nancy Hopkins, Jeannette Spicer, Frank Bickle, and Rose Woods. Other honorees included Rachel Brooks, Ellie Filburn, and Sharon Seguin.
In addition to showing heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who make so many good things happen across this county, the event showcased directors from five of the 30 stations that work with RSVP volunteers to talk about the work that RSVP helps makes possible. Interim Director of the Fulton Public Library, Doreen Bergman, called out how the work across the library relieves stress among non-profits and public institutions while also bringing joy and connection to the volunteers who help complete it.
Therese Watchus, Director for Senior Camp at Camp Hollis, spoke of the camp’s mission: bringing seniors a sense of community and connection while offering opportunities for them to enhance their skills—and, of course, have some fun.
Ellen Wahl, retired RSVP Director and current Artistic Director at the Oswego Music Hall, told the crowd, “What I love about RSVP is there’s so many different kinds of folks and different kinds of agencies… and if you love music, you should come see me!”
John Finocchiarro, president of the Friends of History in Fulton, spoke about the seasonal opportunities available for supporting the Pratt House—where the Friends are based—such as mowing and maintenance, creating and updating exhibits, keeping the books, publicity, and other tasks. “Being part of RSVP is a great way to direct our activities,” he said, before thanking the assembled crowd.
Finally, Deborah Halliday, Director of RSVP’s Osteo Bone Builders program, spoke about the 17 sites available throughout the county and outlined the process for becoming an Osteo Bone Builders Class Instructor. Halliday also read a testimony from program participant Sue Bonner, who praised the classes for helping her maintain strength and agility as she ages.
Also on hand for the day’s events were State Senator Chris Ryan, Oswego Mayor Rob Corradino, Fulton Mayor Jim Rice, as well as a representative from State Assemblyman Will Barclay’s office. The state representatives presented citations to the program’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, honoring and thanking them for their giving community spirits.
RSVP of Oswego County has been dedicated to engaging volunteers 55 and over since its founding in 1973. The program is administered by SUNY Oswego. Currently, there are over 275 individuals actively volunteering through RSVP at different non-profit agencies, according to its website.
