by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Patricia (Patty) Ralko has been chosen as Senior Services’ January Volunteer of the Month for her outstanding service as a Center volunteer at Sanford. A Center volunteer assists the Manager in a wide variety of duties. It takes a friendly, caring individual who has a sincere desire to be of service to others. Patty certainly is that kind of person.
Dawn Powell, Sanford Activity and Dining Center Manager boasts, “Patty helps with a little bit of everything around the Center, whatever I need, she is always there to lend a helping hand. She does a great job. She has helped with bake and garage sales, decorating, activities, making coffee and sorting items.” One of the nicest ways she assists at the Center is helping serve participants meals and drinks. Dawn explains, “Patty will visit with them at the tables. She truly cares about their well-being and has even visited them in the nursing home.”
Patty has been serving as a volunteer since 2019 when she and her husband, Dana, retired. They moved into their summer home on Sanford Lake that fall, around the same time the Sanford Center opened on River Road. Patty jokes, “God built this Center just for me.” She explains, “I have always loved spending time with older adults. They have interesting stories to share and are full of wisdom.”
Patty grew up in Detroit. She has been married to Dana for 28 years. They have 4 children and 10 grandchildren. She worked at Dürr Systems, Inc. in Plymouth for 36 years as a Project Controller. Patty also taught yoga in the evenings and is a Member of Yoga Association of Greater Detroit. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, working with her indoor plants, kayaking, riding bikes and going to the gym.
Our 5 Activity and Dining Centers are gathering places for active older adults to dine together, socialize and participate in a variety of activities and special events. The Sanford Center is managed by Dawn Powell. For more information on activities call the Center at (989) 687-7888 or check the latest issue of Prime Times News. For volunteer opportunities, call Allison at (989) 633-3741.
Thank you, Patty, for your volunteer spirit; we really appreciate your continued dedication to older adults in Midland County. Congratulations on being chosen as January Volunteer of the Month!
We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is in great need of drivers for Meals on Wheels in Sanford. 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.
