by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Janet Eisler has been selected as the February Volunteer of the Month in recognition of her dedicated service at the Trailside Activity and Dining Center. Janet first became acquainted with the center in 2013 after reading about it in the agency’s newspaper. “I was at the doctor’s office and saw the agency’s newspaper,” she recalls. “After reading about everything the center offers, I decided to check it out.” She began volunteering two years later, in March 2015.
When asked why she volunteers, Janet shares her simple yet powerful philosophy: “My motto is, it’s better to give than to receive.” Over the years, Janet has contributed in various ways, including purchasing bingo prizes for the center’s popular Wednesday games and serving as the Secretary for the Advisory Board.
Trailside Activity and Dining Center Manager, Vera Haller, praises Janet’s unwavering commitment: “Janet spends several hours each month shopping for bingo prizes and comes in every week to set them up for the players. She is always willing to help wherever and whenever needed.” Volunteers like Janet are an invaluable resource for the center, providing critical support to the center manager, who often juggles a variety of tasks and responsibilities. Janet explains, “I get more joy from volunteering than the participants do when they receive a bingo prize I’ve purchased.”
Originally from Frankenmuth, Janet and her husband moved to Beaverton in 1991. She worked at Bronner’s and served as a school aide. Outside of volunteering, Janet enjoys crossword puzzles and watching classic television shows like Leave It to Beaver. Janet is a mother of three, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother to two.
The Trailside Activity and Dining Center is one of five centers throughout Midland County that provide vibrant spaces for older adults to gather, dine, socialize, and engage in a variety of activities and special events. Managed by Vera Haller, the center is known for its weekly line dancing classes and its lively card games. Volunteers are always welcome and encouraged to join the community.
Janet sums up her love for Trailside: “It’s a fun place to be! The people are so friendly, happy, and welcoming.”
For more information about activities, call the center at 989-633-3790 or refer to the latest issue of Midland Prime Times. To inquire about volunteer opportunities, contact Allison Rossi Utter at 989-633-3741.
Thank you, Janet, for your generous spirit, and congratulations on being selected as Volunteer of the Month!
WELCOME New Volunteers
Kevin Church
Jim Stewart
We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is always in need of volunteers. 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 community of experienced, trusted and valued volunteers.
Our current areas of greatest need are:
- 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, 1-2 hours/week.
- 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.
- Senior Safety Team – Assist older adults in keeping their homes in a safe and secure condition by performing jobs and services. Time commitment would be 2-4 work requests per month. Mileage is reimbursed.
- Meals on Wheels in Greendale and Coleman routes – Routes available M-F from 10 am-1 pm. Mileage is reimbursed and you’ll receive a FREE lunch!
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.
