Volunteers receive awards from senior center
Country Club Rehabilitation Campus was the presenting sponsor for the 14th annual Virginia Kane Hall of Fame & Appreciation Gala, hosted by the Tuscarawas County Senior Center Friday, Oct. 11.
The Hall of Fame award recognizes those citizens of Tuscarawas County, age 50 and older, who have made significant contributions to the community through volunteerism, including organizations that serve older adults.
The Hall of Fame 2024 nominees were Brenda Bayer of New Philadelphia, nominated by Heather Blacka; Sheila Carl of New Philadelphia, nominated by Denise Carter; Tom Foti of New Philadelphia, nominated by Elaine Booth; and Agnes K. Swigart of New Philadelphia, nominated by Susan Reidenbach.
The 2024 Virginia Kane Hall of Fame Award went to Brenda Bayer of New Philadelphia. Bayer is always volunteering to help others. She is the past president of Seasoned Seniors held at the Strasburg UCC Church. This is a monthly group of seniors who meet for fellowship, education and entertainment. She served in the role from 2016-2024. Her goal of volunteering was to work with the senior population to unite them in fun, fellowship and socialization. Bayer was also a part of the forming committee for the Strasburg Senior Center in 2023. She took an active role on the board of directors as well as an active volunteer within the center. She leads the reassurance calls to check on members and to offer assistance when needed. Bayer is a talented seamstress and shares her talents by making blankets, quilts and purses for older people as needed. Bayer is a caring individual who truly believes in going above and beyond for our seniors.
The Tuscarawas County Senior Center also recognizes an individual, 50 and older, who goes above and beyond as a volunteer for seniors within a specific community or at a senior center within the county. The Robert E. Hall Above & Beyond Award was named after Robert Hall who continues to serve on the board of directors with more than 20 years of volunteer service and is the liaison between the Dover center and the five satellites.
The 2024 Robert E. Hall Above & Beyond award recipient is Matt Kinsey of New Philadelphia. Kinsey has been on the board of directors at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center since 2010. Currently, Kinsey is the board president and is instrumental in the growth, success and forward thinking the board of directors embody.
The Tuscarawas County Senior Center is dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of older adults 50 years of age and older. Each day an average of 250 seniors visit the center for meals, classes, prescription assistance/Medicare consultations, club meetings, day/extended travel,exercise, medical screenings or socialization with friends. Services include minor home repair, in-home services and transportation.
