Matt Stiles

Matt Stiles is a role model to young and old in our community. As a school guidance counselor, students look to him daily for crisis support and interventions, or as someone to listen to everyday “life problems”. As a volunteer, his efforts produce positive contributions throughout Morgan County.

Foremost, Matt is the recipient of the President’s Gold Service Award for volunteerism, the first and only adult in Morgan County to receive this prestigious recognition. This service learning achievement was for 500 hours of volunteer time.

During the year, Matt completed a certification course as a volunteer firefighter. As a member, he answers emergency calls as a medical first responder and firefighter for the Falkville Fire Department. These calls range from heart attacks, motor vehicle accidents and suicide attempts to house and structure fires.

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Center from 2001-2004, Matt has provided expertise, vision, and sweat equity to several projects sponsored by the center. Those functions include Taste of the Valley, the annual golf tournament, the Ducky Derby, and the annual Can-a-Thon. Last years Can-A-Thon in Morgan County collected and distributed more food than the surrounding counties of Limestone and Madison.

For 2001-2005, Mr. Stiles has served as the school representative for the annual United Way pledge drive. It has been incumbent on Matt to contact each teacher at his local school during the event to educate and encourage his peers to support the community through giving to the United Way. Morgan County Schools’ overall pledges for the past few years have increased significantly.

Matt drives a school bus for various field trips at school. Since he volunteers his time as a driver, this lowers the overall cost of the trip for students. He organized a trip to the Red Ribbon March in Decatur, allowing over 60 at-risk students and chaperones from two county schools to be a part of the rally. Matt has taken students to the past four marches, held annually in October. Similarly, he volunteers his driving abilities for the annual Kids’ Day at the Hartselle Civic Center, sponsored by the American Legion, Post #52. Last year, more than 50 at-risk students visited Santa Claus and received a Christmas gift.

Having retired from the U.S Navy, Matt is a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Post #10774 in Falkville. The VFW Post is actively involved in the community, providing funds to numerous local organizations, including an annual $10,000 scholarship to the local high school. This same Post received last year’s Volunteer of the Year award for adult group.

Last year at Ryan School, Matt organized and sponsored a Junior Beta Club chapter. The school chapter has been defunct for 20 years, however, Mr. Stiles was able to involve teachers and the community in recognizing the academic and citizenship efforts of students.

Matt has served as an elected board member for the Morgan County Education Association for the past four years. This volunteer position allows him to be a liaison for his fellow teachers regarding issues of professional development, policy, pay, and benefits. Of noted importance is New Teacher Institute, where newly hired teachers are introduced into the county educational system and are supported during their initial years of teaching.

At his local church, Matt volunteers as an adult Sunday School teacher, drives the church van several months each year to allow shut-ins to attend services, and serves as chairman of the long range planning committee. He also meets others needs as a greeter before Sunday services, welcoming members and visitors alike.

Currently, Matt is on the stand-by list of therapists/case workers to volunteer with the American Red Cross, Decatur chapter, to provide relief along the Gulf Coast from hurricane Katrina. He is on a similar list as a chaplain for the North American Mission Board to assist in south Alabama. He hopes to be deployed for three weeks before year’s end to provide ongoing aide to families suffering from the storm’s effects.

Mr. Stiles’ efforts touch lives throughout Morgan County in many different ways. Whether it be through his employment or by volunteering, he is role model for our community.

Molly Mangold

Have you ever heard the expression “Good things come in small packages”? If you have, you can bet that it was said with 86 year old Molly Mangold in mind. For the last 22 years, Molly has volunteered as a Foster Grandparent at Ponderosa Elementary in Billings, Montana where she has influenced the lives of hundreds of at-risk children. Molly, originally from England, married an American G.I. after WW II and in 1946 left her family for a new life in the United States. Molly’s husband passed away in 1984 and though it would be easy to sit at home and grieve, Molly’s independent spirit “kicked in” and in her words she decided to” get off my duff and do something. I had enough of feeling gloomy and needed to live life on my own.”

Molly has served more than 16,000 hours during her 22 years and has seen many changes at the school. The one thing that remains constant, however, is the feeling she gets when she’s able to help the children. When asked what she likes best about volunteering, Molly says,” Getting those big hugs from the kids. How lucky can you be”.

Jim Eddins

Everybody knows Jim…Monday through Friday he arrives at the hospital by 6:30 am. If you ask him why so early, his reply goes something like this: “Well, everybody needs me here…I’m here to help everybody”. Jim Eddins has been with the hospital since 1991and has donated 5,500 hours of service to date. Prior to becoming a hospital volunteer, Jim spent years volunteering with Open Door Ministries. He has far exceeded President Bush’s challenge to all Americans to donate two years or 4000 hours of service during our lifetime.

Jim seeks out ways to make meaningful differences. In addition to his regular assignments, he assists with blood drives has been recognized for “signing-up” a record number of employees/volunteers to give blood. Jim is one of our most active/healthy volunteers performing some of our most laborious jobs… pushing carts, delivering mail, escorting patients, and transporting supplies. His positive attitude, dedication, and high level of activity, make him a role modes as we experience the challenges of aging.

Jim is excited about turning 91 years young April 24th and does not plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Norma Wright

Norma Wright, a Big Sister in the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Program and winner of the state of California Big Sister of the Year 2005, is a retired teacher and widow. She is hearing and fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and has been matched with profoundly deaf Little Sister Ashley for five years. By sharing numerous outings over the years, Norma has enhanced Ashley’s exposure to the Deaf community, attending performances by the Deaf West Theatre and numerous Deaf Expo conventions, bringing Ashley’s prior communication skills with ASL from nearly nonexistent to a high level. Ashley has learned how to interact with hearing and deaf individuals of various backgrounds. Says Ashley about her Big Sister, “I enjoy Norma. She makes me feel good about being deaf, and my life.”

“I’m not sure which one of us has learned more about Deaf culture,” Norma acknowledges. “I am happy to be a witness to her language development, one of the goals of this mentoring experience. Ashley has grown to trust me and value my advice, so that to me is the best product of our relationship: that she knows she has a supportive, non-threatening sounding board for her feelings, hopes and dreams.”

Dennis Schoening

Missoula Manor Homes proudly nominates Dennis Schoening for the Missoula Aging Service Senior of the Year 2005. Dennis has served the needs of not only the Missoula Manor Homes community but also the greater Missoula community as an active volunteer and motivating leader.

For starters, Dennis has served with enthusiasm and heartfelt commitment as the Missoula Manor Resident Council President in both 2005 and 2004. Prior to that, he served as the 2003 Vice President. During his 2005 tenure he has contributed a great deal of time and effort in the formation of committees, group outing and activities that improve the daily lives of Missoula Manor residents. In addition, he has made sure annual activities have proceeded as planned. He can be found meeting with our Administrator Joyce Anderson before each and every Council meeting to review the agenda, And, he has made certain that residents have been honored for their contributions to the Manor. His commitment to his position affects the lives of residents both now and in years to come.

Each year the manor’s greatest fundraising event is the Annual Endowment Fund Raffle. As Resident Council President, Dennis greatly assisted in coordinating this year’s event. It should be noted that this year’s raffle raised twice as much money as any prior Endowment Raffle. This was due in no small part to Dennis’ efforts in motivating residents to get out and sell to family, friends and even strangers. His gregarious marketing skills and heartfelt devotion to the place he now calls home also earned him a place as one of our top raffle ticket sellers this year.

Another wonderful event put on each year by Missoula Manor is the Annual Friends and Family Potluck Picnic. This is a time for Missoula Manor residents and their friends and family to take a moment to enjoy summer at the Manor. Ever since Dennis moved into the Manor four years ago, he has spent much of the Annual Picnic criss-crossing the lawn selling 50/50 tickets. There is no denying that many of the smiles that day are because of the friendly banter and jokes Dennis shared along the way.

For three years now, Dennis has faithfully called bingo number after bingo number during the weekly bingo games at Missoula Manor. Before each game he arrives early in order to see which players have arrived. If he notices any of the regulars missing, he makes sure each missing player is contacted before the games begin. As an added bonus, he provides Missoula Manor “Public Service Announcements” in between rounds by notifying players of upcoming events and activities, often with a dash of his own flavor of humor.

In 2004, Dennis was enthusiastic about the benefits of the Medicare approved drug discount cards. Julie Galsted, AIMS (Associates in Medicare Savings) program manager, was searching without success for a senior to be interviewed and videotaped in a short informational segment for ABC news to spread information about these drug discount cards to eligible seniors throughout the area. Dennis agreed to be interviewed and was videotaped purchasing his medications with the drug discount card. By stepping forward he helped countless seniors realize how easy it would be to use the new cards.

Most of all we nominate Dennis because when we hear his booming, resonating voice and delightful chuckle filtering down the halls of Missoula Manor, we know that it will followed by the joyful laughter of fellow residents. Our residents’ lives are all the better because Dennis helps them feel more connected, more involved in their community, their home that is Missoula Manor. It is people like Dennis, who give of both their time and skill, which makes this world a truly better place to live.

Andrea Boone

Whenever there is a need RSVP volunteer and PVSA honoree Andrea Boone is there to help. Andrea is a Disaster Action Team volunteer at the American Red Cross. Andrea’s duties include being an ‘on call’ person. With more than 620 volunteer hours in just the last year she has responded to a variety of emergency calls in the middle of the night. No matter the time or weather she is the caring shoulder for families in crisis, everything from fire victims to missing children, floods and medical emergencies. She is the one who meets with and listens to victims and helps them get what they need to survive their desperate situations. She helps families whose homes have burned down, goes on search and rescue missions, meets victims in hospital emergency rooms, and provides food and supplies to rescue workers. Andrea advocates with her peers of the great need in our community for volunteers to get involved. She is selfless and cares deeply about others and does whatever it takes to get the job done. She is always willing to help. No matter the task, just ask and she is there making things easier and better for everyone.

Lester Cypher

As a volunteer, Lester Cypher started Shepherd’s Cupboard in 1992 and only one person came for food, within six months Shepherd’s Cupboard was feeding over 200 hot meals and giving out 5,000 pounds of food to the nutritionally challenged of Pasco County.

As Shepherd’s Cupboard started to reach out to more of Pasco County’s most needy, Shepherd’s Cupboard needed more food. Lester started Reaping the Harvest, a recycling program that recycles food from supermarkets and other food handling businesses. This helped with meeting the need for food for about one year then Shepherd’s Cupboard found themselves with more requests for food than they had.

In 1997, Lester started The Volunteer Way, Inc. Food Bank and started to receive U.S.D.A. Commodities and found Shepherd’s Cupboard had too much foods he shared the food with other food pantries and soup kitchens. Lester resigned from leading Shepherd’s Cupboard in 1999 because The Volunteer Way was growing rapidly.

In 1999, Lester rented a store to house The Volunteer Way Food Bank and started to share the food with 60 food pantries throughout central Florida. In 2002, The Volunteer Way Food Bank distributed 3,000,000 pounds of food to their partnering non-profit agencies. They were cramped for space, so Lester wrote a successful grant for $150,000 to purchase a 5,000 square foot warehouse located on Congress Street in New Port Richey, Florida.

In 1999, Lester started a program to assist low-income homebound elderly to assure the elderly they did not need to go without food in order to purchase medication and that there were people in Pasco County that cared what happened to them. The Brown Bag Program started to partner with government agencies that could not handle the number of elderly in need, such as Cares of Pasco County. The Brown Bag Program brings 40 to 60 pounds of food to the low-income homebound elderly each month. To those elderly that cannot clean their homes. Another very important part of what we do is to visit with the homebound elderly because this may be the first live people they see all month.

In 2002, Lester started a new program called the Little Angel Program. This program helps the mentally challenged to be the most they can be. We have their providers bring them to our Little Angel program while we help them learn life skills such as counting money, computer skills, cleaning our offices and much more.

The positive effect that Lester Cypher has had on the communities is that there are thousands of low income and hurting that people that are no longer food insecure, lonely and have a better outlook on life. People’s self-esteem has changed from low to promising. Lester has been an advocate for volunteerism throughout Florida. In 2005, people volunteer over 195,000 hours and distributed 5,000,000 pounds of food.

Julianna Colon

Julianna Colon is a third grade student from Egg Harbor City, NJ. She began volunteering with disabled children in South Jersey when she was only four years old. She joined an organization that her older sister helped out with and really enjoyed playing with all of the kids.

Last year she visited Lucy the Elephant in Margate City, NJ. Lucy the Elephant is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public. You enter Lucy through one of her legs and go up into her belly and then up more steps to the top of her to look out at the ocean, Atlantic City and the rest of the island. Julianna thought it wasn’t fair that children and adults alike who were handicapped or disabled would not be able to go inside Lucy just like she did so she made a plan and presented it to the Director of Lucy Elephant. When the board members decided it was okay for her to hold a fundraiser, Julianna set out to raise money for Lucy to make it handicap accessible.

In September of 2005 she sent letters to the schools in South Jersey asking that they copy her applications for the students so that they could enter a poster contest. The theme of the contest was “Why should we preserve national historic landmarks and make them handicap accessible”. Each student that entered had to pay a $5.00 entry fee. Four winners were picked from the entries and each received a basket full of great things like a gift certificate to the mall, t-shirts, a stuffed toy Lucy the Elephant and more!

Julianna also went out and collected items to hold a Chinese Auction to raise additional monies for Lucy the Elephant on Make a Difference Day. She sold tickets for the auction items and kids were treated to balloons and free tattoos. Julianna raised over $1,000 towards making Lucy handicap accessible and hopes to raise more money this year. Currently she is helping by selling 50/50 raffle tickets for Lucy’s big 50/50 raffle.

Julianna goes above and beyond the call of duty for young girls her age by looking out for those with disabilities and trying to find ways to make their lives better. She knows many children who have disabilities and realizes how hard it is for their parents on a daily basis and knows that they can’t enjoy a lot of the things that she does. She also wants to make the world a better place for those with disabilities, whether she will actually meet them in person or not. When Lucy becomes handicap accessible in the future, not only will the disabled in South Jersey be able to enjoy her but also the millions of visitors who may be disabled that visit the Jersey Shore each year.

Colonials Community Volunteer Corps

This program is designed to increase adolescent’s awareness of their community and help them to feel a part of it. Our experience has been that through inclusion, the natural adolescent feelings of being disenfranchised can be dramatically impacted upon. By including students in the planning and implementation of this project, we have given them a unique ownership, which they have responded to enthusiastically.

It continues to be Colonial’s philosophy to respond to community needs by instituting innovative and effective programs to meet these needs. By utilizing Community Development funds to train youth as volunteers and working closely with community leaders, a multitude of needs have begun to be addressed. An essential component of this project continues to be for young people to work with and see adults as positive role models willing to volunteer their time to help their community.

When seeking funding, Colonial asked for support from community groups. When funding was secured, we invited representatives from each group to meet and discuss projects they felt were important. Since its inception, the Volunteer Corps has worked on 41 projects for a total of over 33,682 combined volunteer hours through August 2005.

Student volunteers have worked on many projects including: ongoing community clean ups, a mural contest, graffiti removal, writing and distributing volunteer newsletter, food pantry, PTO childcare, holiday assistance, tutoring, Spring Egg Hunt, Flowers For Friends, community Gardens, Snapper derby, Walk to Fight Breast Cancer, and many other special community events.

To date, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and the community has embraced this project. Student volunteers report a feeling of greater self-esteem and pride. Local residents, merchants, and community leaders have supported efforts of the Volunteer Corps. Current School Board President, Vincent Pascale said “As past president of the Chamber of Commerce and President of the Board of Education, I strongly support this much needed program. The volunteers have done an exemplary job throughout our community.” Rotary Past President Bob Davis reports “The community volunteer program has been extremely important to our community.” Linda Ferucci, past President of Lioness stated “Keep up the good work and thank you!” Mary Buffa, past volunteer coordinator of the food pantry said “What a great help. The kids are very enthusiastic. They can’t do enough. Officer Pat Hyland said “I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and Colonial Youth for your continued help and involvement in the smith Point Beach Youth Program”. Beth Wahl, President of the William Floyd Community Summit stated “We appreciate the help and it is wonderful to know that whenever we ask for assistance the Volunteer Corps is ready, willing and able to help”.

Through this project, it is evident that our community has great untapped resources and potential. We must find more ways to harvest these resources to create symbiotic relationships within our community if we are to meet the challenges of the future.

Aetna Group Insurance Employees

In 2004, more than 100 of Aetna’s Group Insurance employees put in more than 850 hours of hard work building the first Habitat for Humanity home in Hartford designed specifically for an individual with disabilities.

Rain or shine, they waved off pesky honey bees and teamed up to raise walls, paint ceilings and hang drywall to complete a three-bedroom house in time for the holidays.

“This project was a wonderful opportunity for us to tie Aetna’s tradition of being a good community partner with our business lines,” said Caren Kittredge, who oversaw the endeavor. “It was very gratifying was for us to help people achieve the dream of owning a house and to help their disabled family member live a full and comfortable life. It worked out so well for the family and our employees.”

For Sue Sweeney, Life Products and Services, the volunteer project was enjoyable on many levels. “It was a team effort with the people we worked with day to day, but it was a different type of work, and it was a pleasure to see tangible results and the positive impact we could have as a group.

“But far and away my strongest memory of the experience is emotional, the difference we made in the lives of a family with special needs. I’ll never forget the open house, with the family members running around looking into every nook and cranny. It was just fabulous.”

With this rewarding experience under their (tool) belts, Group Insurance employees decided to partner once again with Habitat, broadening their charitable support this year to build homes around the country.

With charitable contributions made through the Aetna Foundation, Aetna Group Insurance is the lead sponsor for four new houses to be built specifically for low-income families with a disabled or mobility-impaired member.

Kathy Lilley, Marketing Programs Manager, reports that Aetna Group Insurance employees completed homes in Portland, OR and Dallas, TX in the fall of 2005 and that work is currently underway on another home in Hartford. Additionally, employees will soon begin working on a home in Portland, ME.

She said the partnerships with Habitat for Humanity provide volunteer opportunities for Aetna employees as individuals or teams, depending upon each site’s construction schedule. Employees with no special skills can participate since volunteers work under the guidance of experienced construction supervisors.