As Erma Bombeck once said, volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another. For the 375 men and women who’ve dedicate over 13,000 hours of service at the Joslyn and Blaisdell Centers in Claremont, no truer words have been spoken.

The Claremont Senior Program honored these volunteers during its annual awards ceremony at the Alexander Hughes Community Center on June 4. City staff and the Committee on Aging presented the 2015 Senior Program Volunteer Awards, highlighting six volunteers and one community organization, that have provided especially significant services to the community.

Volunteers Carol Jensen and Kathleen Hashiguchi received The Blaisdell Community Center Volunteer Award and The Joslyn Center Volunteer Award, respectively. Both women were recognized for their outstanding service to the Claremont Senior Program through stellar performance, dedication, and passion for serving their community at the centers.

Jimmy Fraggos was this year’s recipient of the Over and Above Award, given in recognition of a community member—not on the Committee on Aging—who has contributed significantly to the Claremont Senior Program through gifts of business acumen, professional expertise, or financial support.

The Extra Mile, Extra Smile Award was presented to Community Senior Services RSVP Bone Builders, an organization that has given support to the Claremont Senior Program through service and the contribution of energy, time, professional support, or financial donations.

Cindy Sullivan and Chaim Rinde were dual recipients of the Josephine Smith Award, given to an individual who makes outstanding contributions toward the enrichment of the lives of Claremont’s seniors.

And last, but certainly not least, Sue Likens was bestowed the Los Angeles County Older American Recognition Award, presented in recognition of Older Americans Recognition Day by the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults.

The Muriel Farritor Award, designed to honor those who have been previously recognized for service to seniors in Claremont, but who have remained involved in certain aspects of the program and have continued to contribute generously of support, time and talents, was not awarded this year.

“There is strict criteria for this honor and we didn’t have any candidates this year,” explained Jason Lass, Claremont Human Services Supervisor, Senior Programs.

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The mission of the Claremont Senior Program is to advocate for individuals ages 55+ and facilitate their access to a full range of programs, activities, and services that enrich their lives, and to actively promote a just and equitable intercultural society that fosters positive human relations. The program is actively seeking volunteers ages 16 and older to assist with a wide range of activities, services, and programs offered at the Joslyn Center and Blaisdell Community Building. 

In addition, “The Clicks,”—an online, monthly newsletter—provides updates on activities, programs, and events offered by the Claremont Senior Program and the City of Claremont in an easy-to-read calendar format.

For more information about the Claremont Senior Program, volunteer opportunities or to sign up for their online newsletter, visit the city’s website at www.ci.claremont.ca.us under the “Living” tab, Senior Programs and Activities or call (909) 399-5488 for assistance.

—Angela Bailey

news@claremont-courier.com