April 8, 2015 at 2:44 p.m.
Volunteers honored on National Service Recognition Day
Volunteers honored on National Service Recognition Day
By Kayla Thomason-
National Service Recognition Day is sponsored by the Corporation of National Community Service. It has been celebrated for the past two years nationwide. This is the first time the city of Rhinelander has participated.
"I think it's really important for our volunteers to feel like they're valued," said Julie Bronson, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) board member and volunteer.
Last year 1,760 mayors recognized the volunteers in their community. So far this year 2,630 mayors have participated.
"It's nice to see the community effort in regards to the volunteers," said Dick Johns, mayor of Rhinelander. "I'm pleased to be part of it, our city is pleased to be part of it and it's a good group and they do a tremendous job in our community and it's nice to have."
Lori Bushong, director of RSVP, knows how important and valuable volunteers are to Rhinelander.
"It saves the city money, number one, and it actually gives some of the people that don't have anything to do, something to do," Bushong said. "It keeps them active as well as helping others."
She said the group plans to participate in National Service Recognition Day again next year, but with an activity to get the volunteers together.
Volunteers will also be acknowledged at the Volunteer Recognition Banquet Monday, April 27 at the Northwoods Banquet Center. Registration and cash bar will be available from 4 to 5 p.m. with dinner to follow. The evening will be sponsored by the Oneida County Dept. on Aging/Senior Center and the RSVP.
This dinner event is a way to say "thank you for everything you do" to all the volunteers in Oneida County.
"I don't think that the meal itself is such a big deal but it's getting together and having a little program that tells them how important they are," Bronson said. "You don't (do volunteer work) for the recognition. On the other hand it's really a good idea for somebody to say 'We value what you are doing,' because if you don't say that to people then on their bad days, they need this to remember."
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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