Volunteers honored for helping seniors
2 receive awards from PLOWS Council on Aging
Mary Ann Gent, left, and Joyce Wisniowicz hold their awards for Outstanding Community Service after a recent ceremony at Orland Chateaux. (Orland Township, Photo / November 25, 2013)
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For two Orland Township volunteers, helping other seniors is a rewarding and fun undertaking, rather than a chore.
Mary Ann Gent, who lives in Tinley Park, and Joyce Wisniowicz, of Orland Park, spend hours each week serving guests who have trouble walking and getting their own food at luncheons and other events. The women also help make festive centerpieces and gift baskets.
The two were honored for their efforts by PLOWS Council on Aging at a recent ceremony at Orland Chateau. PLOWS is a nonprofit serving seniors in Palos, Lemont, Orland and Worth townships.
Gent, who was honored for 100 hours of volunteerism at Orland Township, said she was used to helping people after working as a nurse's aide, hostess and waitress for years before retiring. The mother of three and grandmother to five has been volunteering at Orland Township for 12 years and also enjoys playing cards and bingo with other clients there. She also received an award for her volunteerism about six years ago from PLOWS.
"A lot of these people don't have anybody anymore," Gent said.
"We have really nice people who are in charge," she said. "It's a really nice setup and they do a lot of things for seniors."
Wisniowicz, who has volunteered 80 hours, said she loves how the seniors look forward to the various events, as well as the inviting atmosphere.
"They made me feel welcome from the very first," said Wisniowicz, who has been volunteering for two years. "They are so warm and friendly."
After working in sales for years, Wisniowicz was looking for a way to keep busy and also give back. She said remaining active helps "keep you young." She also belongs to the Red Hat Society of Orland Park and the Leisure Plotters, a senior social club.
"I've been very fortunate, blessed with a very good life and wonderful husband," Wisniowicz said. "I wanted to volunteer and do something to help the community I live in."
Both women said they enjoyed working with Marie Ryan, senior services coordinator for the township and their supervisor. Ryan said she was grateful for all their help.
"Honestly, they are both so kindhearted, are always willing to help in any way they can," Ryan said. "Through their volunteerism, a lovely friendship has developed between them, which is a bonus."
The township offers a variety of health and wellness services, entertainment, luncheons, lectures and transportation for seniors, as well as myriad programs for residents of other ages.
Mary Ann Gent, who lives in Tinley Park, and Joyce Wisniowicz, of Orland Park, spend hours each week serving guests who have trouble walking and getting their own food at luncheons and other events. The women also help make festive centerpieces and gift baskets.
The two were honored for their efforts by PLOWS Council on Aging at a recent ceremony at Orland Chateau. PLOWS is a nonprofit serving seniors in Palos, Lemont, Orland and Worth townships.
Gent, who was honored for 100 hours of volunteerism at Orland Township, said she was used to helping people after working as a nurse's aide, hostess and waitress for years before retiring. The mother of three and grandmother to five has been volunteering at Orland Township for 12 years and also enjoys playing cards and bingo with other clients there. She also received an award for her volunteerism about six years ago from PLOWS.
"A lot of these people don't have anybody anymore," Gent said.
"We have really nice people who are in charge," she said. "It's a really nice setup and they do a lot of things for seniors."
Wisniowicz, who has volunteered 80 hours, said she loves how the seniors look forward to the various events, as well as the inviting atmosphere.
"They made me feel welcome from the very first," said Wisniowicz, who has been volunteering for two years. "They are so warm and friendly."
After working in sales for years, Wisniowicz was looking for a way to keep busy and also give back. She said remaining active helps "keep you young." She also belongs to the Red Hat Society of Orland Park and the Leisure Plotters, a senior social club.
"I've been very fortunate, blessed with a very good life and wonderful husband," Wisniowicz said. "I wanted to volunteer and do something to help the community I live in."
Both women said they enjoyed working with Marie Ryan, senior services coordinator for the township and their supervisor. Ryan said she was grateful for all their help.
"Honestly, they are both so kindhearted, are always willing to help in any way they can," Ryan said. "Through their volunteerism, a lovely friendship has developed between them, which is a bonus."
The township offers a variety of health and wellness services, entertainment, luncheons, lectures and transportation for seniors, as well as myriad programs for residents of other ages.
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