by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager

Transportation driver Mark Wesson is our December Volunteer of the Month. “Mark is very dedicated to our Transportation service, volunteering two times a week, all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But, he does more than volunteer, Mark cares! He makes all the riders feel special and welcome” says Trish Brown, Transportation Manager. “He is a very logistical thinker and precise. He is also a great communicator and problem solver.” Because of these traits, Mark was nominated by Senior Services to represent the agency as part of the Dial-A-Ride Advisory Commission.

Mark has been volunteering in the Transportation Department for over 3 years and has logged nearly 2,000 volunteer hours! “Volunteering is an excellent way to spend your time in a useful, meaningful way. I enjoy driving and helping people. Being a transportation driver combines those two things. I get to meet nice people while volunteering and the clients are so appreciative,” says Mark.

Mark grew up in Frankenmuth. He moved to Midland in 2019 after retiring. He spent 21 years in the Air Force and then was an Air and Nautical Analysist for the Defense Department. He has been married to his wife, Beth for 32 years. They have a Poodle named, Ruby. Mark is very active in his Church, Zion Lutheran in Auburn. He is also a caregiver to his 101 year old father! Mark enjoys reading, yardwork and being outdoors in his spare time.

Transportation drivers provide rides, in Senior Services vehicles, to older adults who have limited options for transportation. Our trained volunteer drivers provide friendly “arm to lean on” service throughout Midland County. Whether it’s a doctor’s office or a ride to the grocery store, we’ll get you to those places and more. Advance reservations are required and medical appointments receive top priority. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Allison at (989) 633-3741. For services or other information, call Senior Services at (989) 633-3700.

Mark remarks, “Midland County is extremely lucky to have Senior Services. Transportation is a wonderful service and I’m happy to be a part of it.” Thank you Mark for being part of Senior Services, we think we are pretty lucky to have you as a volunteer! Congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteer of the Month!

We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is in great need of drivers for Meals on Wheels in Greendale Twp. Routes available M-F from 10 am-1 pm. Mileage is reimbursed and you’ll receive a FREE lunch! Consider joining our Volunteer Team!
We are also in need of:

• Friendly Visitors/Shopping Volunteers
  – Visit, call, shop and more for an older adult in need. This is a great opportunity for working people and is flexibly scheduled.
• Transportation Drivers
  – Our volunteer drivers provide “arm to lean on” door-to-door service throughout the entire county of Midland making it easier for older adults to get to doctor’s appointments, a ride to the grocery store, and more.

If you choose to volunteer with us, you will be embarking on a rewarding adventure that will have a huge impact on the older adults of Midland County! We hope you’ll consider joining our team of experienced, trusted and valued volunteers.

Visit us at SeniorServicesMidland.org/volunteer to fill out a contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.

WELCOME New Volunteers
Amanda Arndt
Jeff Baldwin
Cole Butler
Kelci Carey
Tracy Coon
Carol Hopkins
Michael Hopkins
Vicki Scott
Karma Threet