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ESCANABA - The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) members were honored during an April 21 recognition lunch at Danforth Place. Mistress of ceremonies was Sally Guay, chairperson of the Delta County RSVP Policy Advisory Council. Musical entertainment was provided by Kathryn Morski, her daughter Caitlin and her son Brian. Staff Sgt. Jason Thibeault of the 128th Air National Guard led the Pledge of Allegiance. Prior to the welcome given by Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency (MDS CAA) Governing Board member Dave Schultz, America the Beautiful was led by the Morski trio. The Invocation was provided by Pastor Steve Gauger of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River, after which lunch was served. Legislative Guests included: Kane Beauchamp, staff assistant for U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow; Sue McCarthy, congressional aid to Congressman Bart Stupak and Bill Charon, legislative assistant to Representative Judy Nerat. Sheriff Gary Ballweg spoke on the upcoming: Senior Living Conference and members of the Delta County Policy Advisory Council were introduced as as each received a 50 Hour Pin. The pin is awarded following completion of 50 hours of service.

Receiving a 50 Hour Pin were: Sonia Nelson; Janice Parlato; Terry Peerless; Constance Piester; Nancy Roberts; Ronald Smith; Pat Spreen; Jeannine Upton; Bev Warren; Ray Fontaine; Mary Lu Gaudette; Sandra Goodyer; David Lahtinen; Christine Lundin; Jean Lusardi; Freda McDermott; Dorothy McKnight; Cathy Menard; Gerald Nelson; Barbara Botwright; Lois Boydston; Sally Bruce; Marvin Chouinard; Claire "Joanne" Christoff; Darlene Clairmont; Joseph Crispigna; Linda Deksnis; Joanne Dollhopf; Delores (Lorry) Flath; Grace Gasperich, 417.5; Matthew Gasperich, 404.5; Mathias Gaudette, 391; Bill Gerou, 392.5; Judy Hadel, 340.5; Phyllis Haglund, 482; Ingrid Johnson, 578.5; Joanne Johnson, 481; Carol LaFleur, 387; Elizabeth Lancour, 386; Helen Lehtikangas, 315; Mary Martin, 416; Clinton Miles, 367.5; Henrietta Miller, 505; and Joyce Mills, 321.5.

Certificates, prepared by Frank Berres, were presented by the Policy Advisory Board Members to the following volunteers, listed by name and number of volunteer hours donated: Rose Mary Nevala, 429.5; Virgil Oswald, 325; Bertha Paulson, 403.5; Evelyn Potvin, 314.5; Richard Rabitoy, 413.5; Shirley Rabitoy, 543; Georgianna Safford, 460; Lilyan Sauve, 426.5; Lorraine Shiner, 569; Dorothy Sullivan, 311.5; Kathryn Sundquist, 351; Barbara White, 330.5; Thomas Wilfong, 490; June Ahlin, 386; John Balanda, 354.5; Ken Beauchamp, 423; Alice Butch, 400.5; Robert Caron, 546.5; Irene Emil Chouinard, 403; Lawrence Chouinard, 316; Mary Ann Chouinard, 446.5; Ruth Chouinard, 402; Gladys Cousineau, 529.5; Evangeline DeMeuse, 309.5; Joyce Dupey, 341.5; Iola Feathers, 467; and James Gallagher, 345.5; Louise Beauchamp, 1,403; Marion Christensen, 1,095.5; Lorraine Johnson, 1,465.5; Frances Secrest 1,045; Irene St.Martin, 1,345.5; and Laurence St.Martin, 1,093.5; Myrtle Hite, 937.5; and James Katarincic, 969.5; Jean Beauchamp, 725; Mary Elaine Gareau, 719; Judy Lee LaCasse, 600; and Dwaine Menard, 777.5; Doris VanDamme, 610.5; and Helen Walker, 706. The RSVP Staff Director Theresa Nelson and Rhonda Raspor, supervisor/secretary shared words of appreciation for the "Hands that Serve" and the "Hearts that Care." Sally Guay read a closing poem, thanking all who participated in the National Volunteer Week celebration.

Individuals age 55 or older who are willing to share their time and expertise are encouraged to contact RSVP, 786-7080.