With National Volunteer Week coming up in April, Northumberland County Warden John Logel took a moment out of the March county-council meeting to recognize the 70-plus tireless volunteers who support the county's programs and services through their generous donations of time and expertise.
Ten of them were reaching milestones, Logel added, offering a range of services from activation programming at the Golden Plough Lodge to mentorship and coaching at the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre of Northumberland (which helped launch 111 businesses and create 135 jobs last year).
Volunteers recognized for two years of service were Stephanie Campbell and Mike Rayburn, both of whom serve at the BECN.
Giving five years were Eric Lawlor and Jim Sled of the BECN, Shelley McGill at the Golden Plough Lodge, and Rosemary and Jim Smith at the Food 4 All Warehouse.
Diane Turner is also a Plough volunteer of 10 years' standing, and Peter McCann has served 10 year on the Brighton Landfill liaison committee.
Finally, Peter Kurita has seen 20 years of service at the Golden Plough Lodge.
Meanwhile, anyone walking into the county building would have seen the flag at half-mast. Logel noted that a staffer had recently died.
Golden Plough Lodge support worker Donna Huddleston passed away suddenly March 15. During her 30 years there, the warden said, she made many friends and touched the lives of numerous residents and family members.
“The care she provided helped residents live lives of purpose, choice, dignity and respect. There is no question Donna left her mark on colleagues and residents alike.”