A nice luncheon celebrating the accomplishments of the Mineral County RSVP members was held a few weeks ago. A group of 19 volunteers gathered at the River Edge Resort and were greeted with a festively decorated room, and by one another. This tight-knit group has been working side by side for years and friendships have been forged throughout that time. The program is under the direction of Mary Jo Berry, and she coordinated the event to honor their top volunteers.

RSVP is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over. It falls under the umbrella of the Corporation for National and Community Service which also houses AmeriCorps. Members are involved with a variety of programs including the Superior Senior Center, Home Delivered Meals, local blood drives, and drivers for the Veterans Administration van for vets.

Other services may include tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged or disabled youth, renovating homes, or assisting victims of natural disasters. When asked why the group volunteers, Hyrel Walsh from Superior replied that these programs wouldn’t happened without its volunteers.

Her sister, Neva Cummings, said the programs wouldn’t get done. But unfortunately, they are often expected to do too much and these programs can suffer from burn-out. Neva’s husband, Doug Cummings, is a driver for the VA van and at age 80, was told last year that he was too old to volunteer. However, he refused to accept that determination by the state office. He proceeded to take a physical, which he passed, and was granted a renewal. Doug, along with eight other drivers, provide rides for local vets who have VA scheduled appointments from Superior to Missoula, Kalispell and Helena.

As members munched on chicken and roast beef sandwiches, a solid spring rain fell outside. With ribbons of sunshine wrapped around the downpour. It seemed a fitting backdrop to the colorful balloons tied to the chairs, with a photo of the volunteers taped to each one. Along with table decorations of flowers, and little cups filled with jelly beans and packets of flower seeds.

Berry handed out certificates with the number of volunteer years and hours of service each member has given, along with pins for their lanyards. She interspersed the awards with several door prizes consisting of bags of coffee, bags, and a day planner.

VA van drivers Doug Cummings had 732 volunteer hours; Kenny Quitt had 102 hours; Glenn Koepke, 532.75 hours. Home Delivered Meals volunteers who currently serve around five people in the Superior area, are Sharon Koepke, who also works with the Community Support Group and has 742 hours and eight years of service. Newcomer, Patti Pickering, had 85.5 hours; Nancy Acheson 642 hours, and husband Al received a pin for his help with the program.

A long-time volunteer, Linda Zimmer had an amazing 2,069 hours for her eight years and six months of service with several programs including the Community Outreach group, Home Delivered Meals, and a reader at the Assisted Living Facility and was a Hospice Volunteer. Glenda Harris who works with the Hospital Guild, “We Care”, Women in Timber, Senior Center, and with blood drives has been a volunteer for 10 years and has racked up 602.5 hours. Carol Bidwell with 15.5 hours; Shirley Mancini who works with the Hospital Guild, Senior Center, Community Support Group and reading for students, has eight years of service and 250 hours. Linda Christopherson received her certificate, along with Joann Merseal who has 10 years of service with a whopping 3,152.52 hours and Berry stated there wouldn’t be a Women in Timber group without her. Merseal has worked with Women in Timber since 1985, with years of service not included in her RSVP hours.

Hyrel Walsh works with the Senior Center, VA appreciation day, with six years of service and 53 hours, “but she only writes down a portion of her hours,” Berry said. “Neva Cummings is the driving force behind Armed Forces Day,” and had three years of service with 35 hours.”

As the awards portion wrapped up, members said they appreciate Berry’s efforts, as well, followed by a warm applause. Berry has been working with RSVP for seven years. Several volunteers expressed that the program would not be what it is today without the dedication of Berry.