EATON — This year’s Preble County Council on Aging (PCCOA) Volunteer of the year is MaryAnn Huffman. She was honored during the PCCOA’s annual Volunteer Dinner, held on Wednesday, April 3, at The Grange.
During the annual event, Preble County Senior Center staff took the time to honor volunteers for their continuous hard work.
According to Senior Center Services Manager Stacey Fullmer, in 2018, PCCOA had a total of 6,248 hours by 131 volunteers, averaging a total of 47 hours per person. These volunteers saved the agency a total of $53,420, which was used by the seniors in Preble County.
“Our organization would not run as smoothly as it does without the help from each one of you. I know whenever I need help, I can come and ask any one of you to help and it shows just how much you care for your senior center, but also the staff that work there and how much you enjoy giving your time,” Fullmer said. “You all make not only my job easier at times, but also make life easier for me knowing that we still have wonderful people in this world that enjoy helping others and succeeding.”
The following volunteers passed away in 2018 and were honored for their service during the dinner: Don Mason, Ray Potter, and Paul Lindquist.
“These gentlemen were amazing, as you all know. We definitely miss them, not because they would do anything we asked, but we miss them because of who they were and just how wonderful they were. They always had great ideas and loved the center. We know they are here with us no matter what,” Fullmer added.
Next, The Smiths were honored for their contributions to the Senior Center.
In 1989, a group began offering line dancing and clogging lessons at PCCOA. Ken, Donna, and Debbie Smith have been giving these lessons ever since.
“Not only are they providing folks with lessons on how to line dance and clog, but they are also providing them with a sense of freedom by giving the person the ability to stay active, to make friendships, have fun, and most of all feel accomplished,” Fullmer said. “This group also goes around to different facilities throughout the county and out of county to provide entertainment and if you haven’t seen them perform, you are missing out. Thank you Ken, Donna, and Debbie for doing this for the last 30 years and for continuing it.”
Finally, it was time to recognize Huffman as Volunteer of the Year.
Huffman has three children, 16 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Not only does she volunteer for PCCOA, but she also volunteers for Saint Vincent DePaul. At the Senior Center, Huffman makes all of the desserts each week for the diner and the dance.
In one day, she makes at least 10 desserts on average, if not more.
“MaryAnn is a fantastic baker and a wonderful person. She enjoys being in the kitchen with our staff. There is proof in this because not long ago, she slipped on some ice and fell. Do you think that stopped her from coming in? Nope, it didn’t. MaryAnn still came in and was using a walker,” Fullmer said. “We did tell her that she didn’t have to come in, but she did anyway. MaryAnn you are amazing! Congratulations on being our volunteer of the year. We are honored to have you!”
