Saturday, January 28, 2023
Since 1854 — News from Montcalm County and Ionia County, Michigan
Virginia Ferris of Lyons in Ionia County was one of 24 volunteers recently recognized by the Michigan State University Extension for a half-century or more of service to Michigan 4-H.
Ferris and the others were honored during National Volunteer Week April 17-23.
Breast cancer survivor Connie Hansen enjoys volunteering at Spectrum Health United Hospital Cancer Center. She believes her own cancer journey helps her connect with patients going through their own diagnoses and treatment.
As acting Ionia Free Fair manager, Kirk Wolthuis is seeing a definite change in the spirit of volunteerism down on the fairgrounds.
Since COVID canceled last year’s “10 Best Days of Summer,” and the related lack of income caused havoc with fair finances, more and more people have been stepping forward to do what they can to ease the burden on the fair Board of Directors, who now double as the maintenance crew.
April is National Volunteer Month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters is celebrating the volunteers who are serving as mentors “Bigs” to community youth “Littles.”
Despite the ongoing pandemic, volunteer opportunities remain available in both Ionia and Montcalm Counties, and Big Brothers Big Sisters would love to engage interested adults in meaningful volunteer service. The extraordinary stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt by all, but especially by our youth.
