The Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) treated their volunteers to a recognition banquet at the Days Inn in Altus on the evening of September 12. The theme for the evening was the fact that volunteers are All-Stars in Beckham, Washita, Kiowa, Tillman, Jackson, Harmon, and Greer Counties. Guests were treated to songs by the Altus High School BluHarmonix directed by Nick Young while enjoying a delicious dinner served by Made with Love Catering. Master of Ceremonies, SOCAG Compliance Manager Jeri Lyn Cox, declared the group had presented a performance to outdo the Super Bowl half-time show.
RSVP Director Kelly Baker introduced Monica Taylor, the speaker for the evening. Mrs. Taylor has several titles, which includes being the Director of the JCMH Volunteers. Her speech to the volunteers and guests was titled, “What is Your Why?” She had done surveys among her volunteers and came up with many “Whys”, but they all came down to wanting to help someone and use their time wisely. Mrs.. Taylor concluded with the Biblical commandment to love our neighbors.
Kelly Baker, with Ms. Cox’s assistance, then presented awards and certificates from Senator Brent Howard’s office to volunteers with the most hours; those serving five years, ten years, fifteen years, twenty years, twenty-five years, thirty-two years and the President’s Lifetime Service Award which was presented to Joanne Reid with a total of 4,161 total volunteer hours at JCMH. Retired educator, Grace Dempsey, who is now 100 years old, received a tenyear service award.
Next on the program was a costume contest of volunteers who dressed up in their favorite sports team’s clothing. The winner was Barbara Smith in her red, white and blue costume.
Kelly Baker then recognized the Clinton Veterans’ Center employees and residents who were present. She told them the RSVP project is now called 9/11 National Day of Service Robert A. Beers Veterans’ Project. Volunteers attending presented the veterans center with many donated comfort care items for their residents.
RSVP presented all volunteers with an impressive RSVP-branded bag containing donations from area businesses and organizations as recognition of their service to their communities. Tal Oden, RSVP Advisory Board President gave the closing words.
All enjoyed a wonderful evening. The RSVP Recognition Planning Committee included Angela Ybarra, Judy Miller, Kim Rumshlag, Maggie Lewis, Mirage Memmer, Tina Coffelt, Valerie Bonser, Kelly Baker, and JoAnn Hernandez. Bethany Erby volunteered as the photographer for the evening and Altus Air Force Volunteers assisted with the registration and as needed.