On Monday evening, April 4, the Village sponsored a Volunteer Appreciation Happy Hour at the Cafe Deluxe restaurant. The event brought together 30 volunteers who serve the Village either by providing services to our members or by working with the organization itself. Many of our non-member volunteers had an opportunity to meet with member volunteers and board members for the first time over wonderful bar food and drinks. It was an evening marked with new acquaintances, renewed friendships, and great conversations.
In addition to thanking all of our great volunteers, it was also an opportunity to recognize and highlight the extraordinary volunteer service of two people who were honored as "Volunteers of the Year."
The first volunteer recognized was
Bob Haas for his outstanding service to our members. Bob and his wife Anne became Village members in March of 2015, and Bob started volunteering in April. Since then, he has responded to 59 requests from our members. For the most part, Bob has provided transportation to medical appointments. But he has also helped with household tasks, with picking up groceries and prescriptions, and assisting members with computer issues.
The second Volunteer of the Year award went to
Nadia Taran. Nadia's award was for her dedicated hoursfor the Village's organization and thereby for our members. Nadia is a member of the Program
Committee and has stepped up to organize our Health and Wellness Series. She initiated our Village's Qi Gong Group and has organized our ongoing Meditation Group. Nadia has also been our liaison with GW's School of Public Health.
Both honorees were awarded with a certificate of appreciation as well as with gift cards so they could return to Cafe Deluxe and enjoy a meal at another time.
When you see Bob or Nadia, please be sure to thank them for their service. In fact, be sure to thank all of our volunteers for their wonderful service to our Village whenever you encounter them. Our volunteers are the backbone of our Village!