| The Retired Senior Volunteers are treated to a recognition luncheon at the Museum of the San Rafael. |
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is not only alive and well in Emery County, but flourishing because of the dedicated seniors here. The program’s director, Betty Hatch said there are 144 registered volunteers with more than 2,270 volunteers hours in the first quarter of this year.
“This county would slow down if not for so many volunteers. Keep up the good work. We all know that serving makes the quality of life better,” said Hatch. The retired senior volunteers go into the schools and read with the students. They also have the Stitches From the Heart program that provides handmade booties, blankets and hats to the hospitals for premature babies.
Laurie Pitchforth, from the Foster Grandparent Programs, said there are four foster grandparents in Emery County and six in Carbon County. She expressed the need for more foster grandparents because these people go into the schools and help with children who need help. “The principals wish they had more foster grandparents to help the students read,” said Pitchforth. “These people are changing lives.”
The theme for the day was “Our Hat’s Off to You.” Everyone who attended wore a hat which was their favorite, or a special hat they had made. Lindora Draper, of Castle Dale, wore a hat which was given to her by her sister-in-law Margaret Draper Lee, who was the wife of J. Bracken Lee. J. Bracken Lee served two terms as governor of Utah, six terms as mayor of Price, and three terms as mayor of Salt Lake City. Draper wore the hat in tribute to her sister-in-law, including the rhinestone hat pins.
Following the luncheon which was catered by San Rafael Works, the seniors were provided entertainment by the Rockin’, Rollin’, Dancin’ Grannies and the Live, Laugh and Love Line Dancers. Bertha Branch, 89 year old resident of Elmo, danced with the Grannies. Kitty Larsen teaches the beginning line dancing class to the seniors.