Each year in May, as part of the nation-wide Older Americans’ Month celebration, two special volunteers are chosen by the Senior Advisory Committee to receive recognition for their outstanding volunteer service. In addition, a community agency, service or business is chosen for recognition.

At the City Council meeting on May 4, Mayor John Marchione proclaimed May as Redmond Senior Recognition Month and the individuals selected for recognition received certificates. A reception was also held at the RSC on Friday, May 7 to honor the recipients.

This year the special seniors who received the Outstanding Volunteer Service award were Kathleen Hughlock and Richard Williams. The business person honored was James Furrow of Senior Financial Advisors.

Kathleen Hughlock
Kathleen currently does volunteer service at the RSC two days a week as a Front Desk Volunteer. She cheerfully answers the phone, signs participants up for classes and events and makes sure we always have enough newcomer packets on hand. She has worked at the Beverage Bar in the past and often volunteers to help when we have special events.

Kathleen is also the primary person who sends greeting cards to the participants whose names have been entered into our “Friends Who Care” book. If you have had surgery or lost a loved one and received a card from the RSC then it was most likely written by Kathleen.

Kathleen is a real believer in the Redmond Senior Center. She has often said that if she is having a day when she feels “blue,” she knows that a trip the Center will liven up her spirits – the RSC is the “aspirin” for what ails you.

Kathleen is an extremely loving and caring individual. She has survived many challenges in her life – World War II, immigrating to a new country, cancer and the loss of a son and many other loved ones. Yet she remains a positive and cheerful person.

Kathleen’s youthful spirit makes her most deserving of the Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award.

Richard Williams
Richard has quietly and efficiently fulfilled his role as a Meals-on-Wheels delivery driver for nearly 15 years. Every other Friday Richard comes to the RSC first thing in the morning to pack the frozen meals each participant has ordered. He then heads out to make the deliveries well before most RSC participants arrive.

As a driver for the Meals-on-Wheels program, Richard has been a consistent comfort to homebound seniors in our community. His deliveries allow them to stay in their own homes and be independent for as long as possible.

Richard has also given volunteer service in the past as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout master and as a baseball and football coach. Richard retired in 1995 and has traveled to all seven continents.

Richard’s long time dedication to seniors makes him extremely deserving of the Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award.

James Furrow of Senior Financial Advisors
James Furrow has been providing financial workshops to the Redmond Senior Center for over ten years. He is well respected for providing clear, unbiased information on investment management, retirement planning, IRA distribution, tax reduction and estate planning. He makes sure he always has the most up to date information on the tax rules and law changes. He often brings in other professionals such as attorneys or police officers who specialize in fraud to assist in his presentations.

James cares deeply that seniors have the information they need to make good decisions about their retirement funds. He often consults with RSC staff to be sure that his workshop topics are relevant. In addition, Senior Financial Advisors participated in the RSC’s Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Fair several times.

James’ long-term dedication to helping seniors with their financial issues makes him deserving of this award.

The Older Americans’ Month honorees are also scheduled for recognition at the RSC’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, June 2.