ANNUAL LCCS LUNCHEON HONORS 16 SENIORS WHO STILL CAN DO

By Beth Kramer
ekramer@stmedianetwork.com

GRAYSLAKE — Freedom to follow your heart. A sense of accomplishment. And, of course, helping others meet their needs. These are some of the perks of volunteering, according to Lake County Council for Seniors Director Carolyn Guthman.

These were also among the reasons 16 people were recognized at the council’s 29th annual Senior Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

“We’re not just honoring people but honoring all services — the volunteers and their efforts,” Guthman said.

About 180 people attended the luncheon Tuesday at The Country Squire.
“This is a very good turnout for our economy,” said Doreen Lagoni, adviser on the council’s event planning committee.

She said the volunteer luncheon has been drawing regulars for several good reasons. The event began in 1981 in honor of the late Ann Towey, a former council president. Efforts to remember her turned into an annual event to also recognize outstanding seniors.

Secondly, the luncheon also honors the organizations that nominated the standout volunteers, Lagoni said.

“Also, they come back because they have a good time,” Lagoni said.
So far, 464 people have been recognized through the council’s program, she said. The number of honorees varies every year, and last year there were 20.

Faith Clark of Waukegan was among Tuesday’s honorees. She is a member of the Waukegan Exchange Club, a retired Waukegan school teacher and a volunteer with organizations including Friends of the Waukegan Public Library, Park District Cultural Arts Advisory Committee and Waukegan Township Senior Citizens Services Committee.

“She has done an amazing amount of community work. Her life is volunteeerism,” said Marty Williams, Park Place Senior director, who nominated Clark. “She’s a woman to be admired. We’re thrilled she was honored today.”

Clark said she spent 34 years teaching in Waukgan elementary and middle schools. She said she still enjoys teaching and plugs in her efforts accordingly. For example, she reads to a first-grade class once a week and also works with Lake County Adult Learning Connection.

“If I don’t have a good reason to say no, then I say yes (to volunteer opportunities). There are many organizations that could use help,” Clark said. “I get so much more than I give.”

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