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Senior Center Volunteers Honored

This article first appeared in and is used courtesy of The Spirit of Bellingham, the newsletter of Bellingham’s Council on Aging.
There are approximately 50 Senior Center volunteers who, together, contribute more than 200 hours of work each month. They were all celebrated, and thanked, at a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner last month. 
The pandemic delayed such a celebration for three years. But at the Coachmen’s Lodge in Bellingham, the talk was of accomplishments in the past and opportunities in the future. 
“When you look at all the events, programs, games, and activities that take place at the Senior Center and in our community, you wonder how it all gets done,” observed Center Director Josie Dutil. “I’ll tell you how… it gets done on the backs of countless, selfless volunteers. Bellingham has the best of the best!” 
“After I retired,” says volunteer Pat Gorman, “I needed something more in my life. Working with the supportive day program at the Senior Center, I help keep participants safe, happy, and active! It is so rewarding in so many ways! I look forward to my hugs and smiles! And I’ve been doing this for almost five years.” 
The celebration lasted more than two hours, with live music provided by Jeff Gamache who has worked for WNRI radio for 30 years. Attendees each received a colorful gift bag. 
Volunteer Jane Malo describes her experience this way: “I currently deliver bags of groceries from the Franklin YMCA to Bellingham seniors in need, every week. I started volunteering at the Senior Center in March of 2020. I do this to let folks know that someone really does care about them. A smile, a friendly face and ‘Hi, how are you doing?’ works wonders! Volunteering makes me very happy and gives me purpose. It feels like I make a difference.” 
“What we would like to express to all of you,” said Dutil from center stage, “is a deep-seated appreciation for the abundance of your service. We have done great things together and I sit in excited anticipation of all that we will continue to do in the future.” 
Please see page two for photos from the celebration. If you would like to know more about volunteering at the Senior Center, then contact Assistant Director Terri Graham at (508) 966-0398.

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