February 2011 Volunteer of the Month

Mildred has lived in Fernley for 28 years. Before moving to Fernley she resided in Mt. View Ca.

Her previous occupation was a homemaker and volunteer. Mildred has been volunteering almost her whole life, 50+ years! She has two grown children that both live out of state. Mildred was born on a farm in Minnesota, then after she graduated she moved to Washington State. She volunteered at the USO and met her husband. As her children were growing up she was a room mother, and campfire leader. She also spent 17 years volunteering in a pediatric unit holding babies, feeding them and being their substitute mom/ grandma.

Mildred started coming to the Senior Center in 1983. At this time the center was about 1/3 the size it is now. The kitchen volunteers wore smocks and served everyone each day. Did you know that our Thrift and Gift was the brainchild of Mildred? Well it was!! It was 1989 and she took the idea and ran with it! Boy we sure are glad she did. Doing our math that means our Gift and Thrift has been supporting the senior center for 22 years!!!! Mildred believes she is the longest running volunteer here at the senior center 1983-2011. I say she sure has a good chance at it! We will have to investigate to find out!

Mildred has been very involved over the years in many different areas, the kitchen, committee member, penny bingo caller and the Angel Program. She still sits with her lady from that program every Saturday!

Mildred enjoys volunteering because it makes her feel needed. She feels loved and never alone.

Mildred you are our sunshine here at the center. Your smile lights up the room and your giving heart makes so many people happy each and everyday!