Health & Fitness
BASCC Volunteers Honored
The Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council held a very special breakfast in honor of over 300 volunteers, many of whom were in attendance.
Volunteers are the life blood of any community organization. They do the jobs that need to be done – big or small – and they do them cheerfully. Volunteers donate their time, their efforts, and their money to help make it a better world. Last Tuesday, the Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council held a special breakfast to honor its volunteers. There was freshly-baked quiche, hot sausages, tasty muffins, fruit, juice, and coffee. There were speeches and awards and prizes for everyone. It was a wonderful way to show volunteers how appreciated they are. The master of ceremonies was executive director Renee Cortright. “Thank you for your commitment and dedication,” she told the group. “We have over 300 dedicated volunteers at BASCC, and I’m glad so many of them are here today to be recognized.” The event was held in the gymnasium of the senior center (formerly Midvale School), and the theme was BASCC Shining Stars. Colorful balloons and glittering stars added to the celebration. Bob Kupfer of Tiffany Florist donated beautiful rose centerpieces to grace each table. Renee recognized the various sponsors who help the senior center throughout the year, and who were in attendance at the breakfast: Michael Chavis and Alan Walters
BCBS of Michigan Nan Wilberding
Home Instead Senior Care Sean Southers
Evergreen Health & Living Center
and
Woodward Hills Nursing Center Nathan Kenney
Disability Made Easy She also thanked the Birmingham Public Schools officers and trustees who were there: superintendent Daniel Nerad, board president Michael Fenberg, vice president Steve Scheidt, treasurer Geri Rinschler, and trustee Susan Hill. Breakfast was served by BASCC staffers Kathleen Tillson, Shirley Crumley, Jeanne Nance, Julie Mandich and Diane Henninger. Sodexo Catering provided the delicious quiche, and Emerald Foods brought the sausage links, fruit cups, and juice. Ed Morykwas (River of Time Photography) took pictures throughout the event. Renee Cortright and BASCC board president Tina Rowley then asked each group of volunteers to stand and be recognized. It was an impressive list! Meals on Wheels
Drivers and Preparation Helpers Judy Murrell, site manager For some food recipients, this may be their only contact with anyone that day. Flu Shot/Senior Expo
BASCC Open House
Antique Appraisal Event Volunteers meet, greet, and guide people at these events. Program Facilitators They inspire members to write down their life stories, organize games and activities, teach new skills, and share their interests. The Knitting Group They make scarves, hats, and mittens for Project Warmth, and also for sale to benefit BASCC. Office Volunteers These hard workers keep the center running, in countless ways. AARP Tax Preparers They offer help to people trying to figure out the complicated tax code. Gardeners Volunteers help to beautify the BASCC building and grounds. Bakers They prepare for birthday celebrations, new member coffees, and the appraisal event. Computer Teachers They assist people of all ability levels to use technology effectively. BASCC Board Members They meet monthly and volunteer weekly to help support the BASCC mission: Cheryl Mangiapane (8 years), Nancy Buck (12 years), Jane Fluegel (9 years), Russ Dixon (16 years), Sylvia Whitmer (6 years), Henry Nabors (16 years), and Roger Garvelink (9 years). Roger is the past board president and one of the founding members of BASCC. He will be moving to the west side of the state, but his legacy will live on. Lastly, these volunteers were recognized for their outstanding contributions: Shirley Crumley Celebrating over 15 years of service to the senior community, Shirley is part of the BASCC staff. She goes “above and beyond” every day she comes to the office, and she has touched many lives over the years. Coco Siewart A registered parliamentarian, Coco was called upon to guide the BASCC board in updating the by-laws. This task could not have been completed without her tireless dedication and assistance. Bob Parker Bob is described as “a quiet, unassuming gentleman” who has been delivering Meals on Wheels for over 5 years. He always makes himself available to help anyone who needs it, and he has recruited several others to join the program. Dennys Grady Dennys has worn many hats since joining BASCC in 2002. She has helped with the Senior Expo, Health Fair, What’s It Worth Antique appraisal events, prepares Thank you letters, updates the activity board and oversees the BASCC library. She is dedicated creative, and compassionate. BASCC Staff Members Thanks went to Shirley Crumley, Jeanne Nance, Julie Mandich, Diane Henninger, and especially Kathleen Tilson for compiling names for the newsletter and overseeing the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast 2013. Dedicated hearts like yours
Are not so easy to find.
It takes a special person to be
So generous and kind... Birmingham Area Seniors
Coordinating Council and Center 2121 Midvale Street
Birmingham, MI 48009-1509
Phone: 248-203-5270
Fax: 248-203-5272 http://www.bascc.org Member/Guest Services Desk
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. --- This article was written by Birmingham photographer Ed Morykwas. If you would like him to publicize your restaurant, business, or event for free, please send him an e-mail: ed@riveroftime.net
