Annual RSVP Dinner Celebrates Decades of Community Service Excellence

The Herkimer County Office for the Aging will honor two remarkable senior volunteers at the annual Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) dinner scheduled for September 18 at Francesca’s in Ilion. Ruth “Ruthie” Morgan and Volney “Spike” Seeley represent the extraordinary dedication that defines volunteer service throughout the region.

Ruth Morgan’s Quarter-Century of Educational Service

Ruth “Ruthie” Morgan, a lifelong New York resident celebrating 90 years, will receive the prestigious Person of the Year award for her exceptional contribution to early childhood education. Her 25-year involvement with the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Head Start Program demonstrates sustained commitment to helping young children develop educational foundations.

Since 2001, Morgan has participated in the Foster Grandparent Program, where she’s become known for her unwavering dedication to helping students achieve their academic goals. Her approach combines patience, encouragement, and genuine care that has impacted hundreds of young lives over two decades.

Personal Journey Inspires Literary Achievement

Morgan’s remarkable personal story, chronicled in her book “Ruthie Deeply,” adds depth to her volunteer service. Born into the foster system, her life experiences provide unique perspective and empathy that enhance her work with children facing their own challenges.

The combination of personal resilience and professional dedication makes Morgan’s story particularly inspiring for other potential volunteers who might question whether they have valuable contributions to offer their communities.

Volney Seeley’s Post-Retirement Service Excellence

Volney “Spike” Seeley will receive recognition for outstanding contribution, highlighting his extensive volunteer work since retiring in 2010. His leadership role supervising the Dolgeville Food Pantry demonstrates practical community service addressing food insecurity, a persistent challenge in rural areas.

Seeley’s commitment extends beyond food pantry operations to include serving as a trustee at the Methodist Church in Dolgeville, showing the interconnected nature of community service in smaller towns where multiple organizations often share dedicated volunteers.

Military Service Background Enhances Community Commitment

As a U.S. Army veteran, Seeley brings military service values of dedication and reliability to his civilian volunteer roles. His perspective on service reflects the natural transition many veterans make from military service to community service, utilizing organizational skills and leadership experience for civilian benefit.

“I enjoy being around both the volunteers and the people we serve at the food pantry. Everyone should give volunteering a try,” Seeley stated, encouraging others to discover the personal satisfaction that comes from community service.

Impressive Volunteer Hour Documentation

Seeley has contributed over 3,400 hours to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Herkimer County, representing significant personal investment in community welfare. This documentation reflects the substantial economic value that senior volunteers contribute to local organizations and services.

The tracked volunteer hours demonstrate the professional approach many senior volunteers bring to their service roles, treating volunteer commitments with the same seriousness as paid employment.

Broader Recognition Through State Programs

Both honorees are part of broader recognition efforts, as the New York State Office for the Aging celebrated Older New Yorkers’ Day by honoring 100 remarkable older adults statewide for their outstanding volunteer efforts. This state recognition connects local excellence to regional patterns of senior volunteer service.

The state-level recognition program acknowledges that senior volunteers represent crucial community infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where formal social services may be limited.

RSVP Program Demonstrates Volunteer Impact

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program provides structure and support for senior volunteers throughout Herkimer County, connecting willing volunteers with organizations needing assistance. This coordination maximizes both volunteer satisfaction and community benefit.

The annual dinner celebration serves multiple purposes: recognizing exceptional volunteers, encouraging continued service, and inspiring new volunteers to join established programs serving local communities.

Encouraging Future Volunteer Participation

The recognition of Morgan and Seeley serves as inspiration for other seniors considering volunteer service. Their examples demonstrate that volunteer work provides personal fulfillment while addressing genuine community needs, creating win-win situations for volunteers and service recipients.

The diversity of their service areas—education, food security, and faith community leadership—illustrates the many ways seniors can contribute meaningfully to their communities based on personal interests and available time commitments.

Call to Action: Consider joining the ranks of senior volunteers making a difference in Herkimer County by contacting the Office for the Aging to learn about volunteer opportunities that match your interests and schedule.