Roughly 45 volunteers attended a special recognition event hosted by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services at The Independent in Somerville on September 19. The recognition will become an annual event, going forward.

The contributions of volunteers who assist older adults took center stage at a special volunteer appreciation event hosted by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) on September 19.

In thanking those who attended, Executive Director Paul Hollings noted that SCES has more volunteers than employees, saying they play an important role in helping local older adults maintain health and independence.

“I just want to say thank you,” said Hollings. “You all make a difference and you all extend our mission.”

SCES works with roughly 230 volunteers through 18 programs, providing assistance with medical appointments, nutrition, money management, and more. Hollings also recognized the contributions of several longtime volunteers:

Volunteer Coordinator Lindsey Smilack (right) caught up with longtime volunteer Daisy Monsalve, of Somerville, at a recent volunteer appreciation event hosted by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services. Monsalve has volunteered at SCES since 2006, helping the Medical Escort and Money Management Programs.

• Mary Connolly, of Cambridge, who has volunteered with Money Management for nearly 18 years and was credited with always being patient and consistent in providing assistance for clients.
• Bernard Fang, of Charlestown, who has volunteered for Money Management for 16 years and makes Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels deliveries. He was credited with being kind, gentle, and always willing to help.
• John Jones, of Charlestown, who has volunteered as a Medical Escort for 13 years, and has a reputation for being patient, friendly and well-liked by his clients.
• Tom Vance, of Boston, who has volunteered for Money Management for 12 years, and was credited as a considerate and responsible volunteer who asks great questions.
• Daisy Monsalve, of Somerville, who has volunteered for the Money Management program since 2006 and Medical Escort program since 2012, and receives many compliments from those she helps.
• Holly Bodman, of Bedford, who has volunteered for the Money Management program for 11 years and also serves on the SCES Advisory Council.
• Doris Graney, of Somerville, who has contributed to virtually every volunteer program at the agency over the past 10 years—most notably Medical Advocate and Escort, Brown Bag, and helping at the office.
• Susann Wilkinson, of Somerville, who has volunteered as an SCES board member the past 10 years and currently serves as board president. She has also consistently volunteered to make Meals on Wheels deliveries on Thanksgiving.
• Judith Gentile, of Somerville, who was credited with always going above and beyond for Money Management clients over the past nine years.
• Richard Bosel, of Cambridge, who was credited with always being pleasant and friendly as a Medical Escort over the past nine years.

The volunteer appreciation is a new event, and SCES Director of Volunteers and Special Projects Colleen Morrissey said it will become an annual celebration.

“Our volunteers do amazing work every day in our community, and we want them to know how much we appreciate them,” said Morrissey. “It was really great getting everyone together. I can’t wait until next year.”

In addition to the agency’s thanks, volunteers from Cambridge and Somerville each received a citation from their local mayor.

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is a non-profit agency that supports the independence and well-being of older people in Somerville and Cambridge. For more information, visit eldercare.org, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or contact the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 for free advice and guidance.