The theme of this year’s Volunteer Appreciation campaign in Barrhead was “Volunteers Rock.” But what does it actually mean “to rock?”
Noting that she grew up in the 60s and 70s, Volunteer Appreciation committee chair Ros Rudd indicated that the youth she grew up with loved to celebrate, but they also knew how to effect change when it was needed, like when the girls organized sit-ins so that they could wear clothes other than dresses at school.
“People who grew up in this era experienced the camaraderie and the fun that comes from working together to try and change things to a better purpose,” she said.
When it came to celebrate, out came songs like “Rock Around the Clock” and “Blue Suede Shoes” and everybody got rocking, she said.
“Barrhead volunteers know how to rock. Their commitment and dedication bring constant changes to Barrhead. They know how to get things done and they know how to have a good time doing it. They rock.”
On Saturday, the recipients of the 2019 Volunteer Appreciation Awards were named at a luncheon at the Bethel Pentecostal Church, which was attended by about 150 people.
The first award handed out was the “Herman’s Heroes” award, which is named after its first recipient Herman Barkemeyer.
Taking the stage, Barkemeyer noted that the previous year’s recipient chooses the current year’s winner. His choice was Shelly Oswald.
Although Oswald is a Town of Barrhead councillor, Barkemeyer’s nomination had more to do with her role as the recreation director for the Barrhead and District Social Housing Association.
Barkemeyer said Oswald is continually on the go encouraging, enticing, inspiring, motivating and cajoling residents to get involved in activities.
That may include games, sports, gardening, crafts, knitting for various charitable projects and so forth. Oswald also distributes teddy bears to residents who have no family at Christmas time, he noted.
In addition, she is also involved in organizing bus trips for appointments, shopping excursions and regular dances.
Accepting the award, Oswald said she was very honoured to be one of Herman’s Heroes.
“My philosophy is that you have to love what you do and love the people you work with and always create opportunities to grow. It doesn’t matter what age you are; we all deserve an opportunity to grow and live each day.”
The next award to be given out was the “Bill and Jennie Sutherland: Making a Difference in our Community” award presented by the Barrhead Public Library. It went to the Barrhead Food Bank.
While the volunteers may change over the years, nominator Shelley Dewsnap noted the food bank has been a fixture in Barrhead for more than 40 years.
Last year, the Food Bank benefited an average of 143 individuals and 57 families.
“Our community benefits so much from these excellent volunteers,” said Dewsnap.
Next up, the Youth Award was given to Zayda Lucas. She was nominated by Rebecca Breitkreitz, youth coordinator at Barrhead Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
Breitkreitz nominated Lucas for her volunteer contribution to FCSS over the past year, noting that she was “reliable, enthusiastic and giving.”
The final award of the day, the Rosemary Empey Award, was presented to Valerie Messmer.
Her nominator, Brenda Fisher, said that for almost a decade, Valerie has dedicated herself to supporting health care services and the wellbeing of seniors in the Barrhead community.
Messmer is currently the president of the Barrhead Healthcare Centre Ladies’ Auxiliary, of which she has been a member for nine years.
“She is a leader. She keeps us going with her cheerful laugh and infectious energy,” noted Fisher.
