Barton Center Volunteers Contribute 22,960 Hours
Barton Senior Center recently honored the many volunteers who have assisted the organization during the past year. At a dinner show and reception held in April, 226 individuals were recognized for having volunteered a total of 22,960 hours at the Center during the previous 12 months. This astounding volunteer total is equivalent to more than 11 full-time employees. “Our volunteers are simply terrific” stated Center Director Tania Gheen. “Without the volunteers, our small staff would never be able to provide the many programs, activities and services offered at Barton Center. It is really a win-win, as our volunteers socialize, make friends and have fun, at the same time that they are helping others.”
The following Barton Center members were given special recognition for volunteering more than 500 hours during the year: Dolores Berish, Rosemary Faulhaber, Sally Kerfoot, Hazel King, Rita Merritt, Illona Papp, Anna Potter, Ursula Randolph, Arlene Schroeder and Carolyn Vanatta. Sophie Syzmanski topped the list by volunteering a total of 1,498 hours. The two longest serving volunteers, Carol Meermans and Rosemary Faulhaber, were recognized for a combined 75 years of volunteering at Barton Center.
An example of the activities provided with volunteer support is Barton Center's transportation group that provided a total of 6,528 rides in Lakewood to doctors’ offices, grocery stores, hair dressers, etc. This is an increase of more than 1,500 rides from last year, due mainly to the elimination of the circulator bus. Many volunteers worked in the Barton Center Office and in the various shops such as Hodge Podge clothing and furniture resale shop, Corner Store, Book Nook, Greenhouse, Ceramics Shop and the Fabric Shoppe. Many more helped at the monthly dinner-shows and birthday luncheons attended by over 2,100 participants. One class assembled old greeting cards into picture books for young patients at Lakewood Hospital. The Knit and Crochet Class made hats, scarves and gloves and another group collected food, all for the benefit of the Lakewood Christian Service Center. Several members organized a letter writing campaign with the USO, and sent hundreds of warm letters to service personnel serving overseas.
Community groups also volunteered at Barton Center this year including: Lakewood High students from H2O and American Youth Foundation, students and parents from St. Ed’s Community Service Ministry, students from St. Joseph Academy, Key Bank employees, college students affiliated with Cross Point Church and Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp. To inquire about volunteer opportunities, call the Barton Center office at 216-221-3400. Barton Center is located on the Ground Floor of the Westerly Apartments at 14300 Detroit Avenue and is open Monday-Friday, 9 am–3 pm.