by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager

Marie Cross volunteers at Trailside Activity and Dining Center and has been chosen as Senior Services June Volunteer of the Month.

“Marie is very active at the Center,” says Vera Haller, Trailside Activity and Dining Center Manager. “She is a regular card player and excellent at crocheting. She is always willing to help others learn.” That is how Marie became a volunteer for Trailside in 2021. She recalls, “I was looking for a quiet place to crochet and had started using the Library at Trailside. One day, the previous Center Manager asked me if I would like to help out.” Marie volunteers weekly to pick-up bagels from Big Apple Bagels. She then sorts, packages, and distributes them to the volunteers in the Transportation and Nutrition Departments, as well as to the Center participants. Additionally, Marie picks up items from Panera monthly and coordinates their distribution as well.

Marie was born and raised in Midland. She retired from Stratford Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she was a Certified Nursing Assistant. She is widowed and has 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Marie enjoys playing cards, crocheting, collecting turtles (not real ones) and traveling to Mackinac Island annually for the Lilac Festival. She also volunteers weekly at Central Park Elementary School in the Backpack Buddies program.

There are five Activity and Dining Centers throughout Midland County. The Centers are gathering places for active older adults to dine together, socialize and participate in a variety of activities and special events. The Trailside Center, managed by Vera Haller, is noted for their line dancing, free popcorn and card games. Volunteers are always welcome! For more information on activities call the center at 989-633-3790 or check the latest issue of Midland Prime Times. For volunteer opportunities, call Allison Rossi Utter at 989-633-3741.

Marie, you are a tremendous asset to our volunteer family. Thank you for your continued dedication to the Trailside Center and congratulations on being chosen as June Volunteer of the Month!

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 team 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.
• 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.
• 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.

WELCOME New Volunteers
Alex Busch
Bill Glawe
David Goodman
Nick Johnson
David Musinski
Benjamin Pratt