Oak Crest Celebrates the Power of Volunteers

PARKVILLE, MD---Joining thousands of unsung volunteers across the nation, residents and guests of Oak Crest retirement community celebrated National Volunteer Appreciation Week on April 26th with a Fabulous 50's-themed awards luncheon.
The Erickson Living campus presented the 2013 Presidential Service Awards to 231 deserving residents who qualified based on their contribution of time and talents to help others at Oak Crest and in the greater community. 
In 2012, residents and friends of Oak Crest logged more than 86,000 hours of volunteer service in partnerships with organizations like the Maryland Food Bank, Our Daily Bread and educational programs with Deep Creek Elementary School and Buddy Reading.
Alison Vogrin is the volunteer program coordinator at Oak Crest.  She also serves as the President of the Maryland Council for the Directors of Volunteer Services.
"It is refreshing to see that in light of being such a fast paced society people are still invested in sharing their time," stated Ms. Vogrin.  "As a whole, such high involvement makes me realize that we are making countless impacts within our community."
Jamie Costello, news anchor for WMAR-ABC 2 News, served as the keynote speaker.  He spoke eloquently of how former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron offered unwavering support and friendship to his son, Matthew, who suffered a brain tumor as a teenager. 
"Out of heartbreaking news, there comes the power of volunteers.  Their attitude is simple: 'it's not about me, it's about others.'  Today we salute volunteers all over the world and simply say thank you for all that you do," stated Mr. Costello.
Additionally, three volunteers received special recognition during the awards luncheon.
Oak Crest Resident: Kay Polley A volunteer since 1998, Kay Polley has given more than 1,600 hours of service at Oak Crest.  She has shared her talent in many ways by providing musical entertainment and birthday greetings to residents in the continuing care neighborhood.  In the Catholic Community of Oak Crest, Ms. Polley is a rosary leader and altar attendant. 
Outstanding Adult Volunteer: Sharon Machen Sharon Machen has volunteered at Oak Crest for four years.  A resident of Parkville, she has offered clerical support in the employee medical center and served residents in the continuing care neighborhood by helping them to beauty salon appointments.  All told, Ms. Machen is approaching 1,000 hours of service at Oak Crest.
Outstanding Student Volunteer: Paige Michaud In four years, Paige Michaud has contributed over two hundred hours of volunteer service at Oak Crest.  Now completing her junior year at Bryn Mawr, Ms. Michaud interacts with residents of the continuing care neighborhood by walking them to worship services and being involved in programming events during weekends.  Ms. Michaud also shares her talents with the Baltimore Sailing Center and the youth group at Community Christian Church.
Eighth district state legislators Senator Kathy Klausmeier, Delegate Joe Boteler, Delegate Eric Bromwell and Delegate John Cluster attended the event.
More information on the Presidential Service Awards can be found at its website, http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov. 
 

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