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Mashpee senior center honors volunteers, presents awards to long‑time and new helpers
Summary
At a volunteer appreciation luncheon at the Mashpee Senior Center, staff and town officials recognized longtime volunteers and newcomers; awards went to Nina Kokomazi, Roz and Clark Burrows, and organizers highlighted Meals on Wheels, the thrift shop and other programs.
The Mashpee Senior Center honored dozens of volunteers at a volunteer appreciation luncheon where staff and select board member Michaela Wyman Colombo praised volunteers’ contributions and presented three formal awards.
"We truly appreciate everything you do," the center director said in opening remarks, thanking volunteers who staff Meals on Wheels, run the thrift store, serve as friendly visitors, or help with counseling and computer assistance.
Michaela Wyman Colombo, a member of the town’s select board, said the center is "hopping" with programs such as office hours and Zumba and thanked both staff and volunteers for keeping activities running.
Sherry Norman, vice chair of the council, presented awards chosen by staff. She named Nina Kokomazi this year’s outstanding volunteer, noting Kokomazi has volunteered for 16 years and stepped in to cover office duties and to support a new program that required ‘‘a great deal of her time and patience.’’
Sherry also named Roz as Rookie of the Year for greeting duties and consistent front‑desk help, and cited Roz’s habit of bringing baked goods to Wednesday gatherings. Clark Burrows was recognized as outreach volunteer of the year for his work driving people to medical appointments since moving to Mashpee three years ago; organizers said he averages two or more rides a month and is valued for prompt responses to scheduling calls.
Speakers highlighted specific volunteer efforts and time commitments: a group leader logged about 140 hours this past year, a greeter about 100 hours, and a data‑entry volunteer exceeded 100 hours. Organizers also acknowledged programs supported by volunteers, including Meals on Wheels (operated through Elder Services), the center’s thrift shop and multiple support groups.
Volunteers received a small, lighted frame as a token of appreciation; staff demonstrated assembly tips and provided USB adapter guidance for the lights. The program included a thank‑you to Mashpee Middle High School for preparing sandwiches after an earlier catering setback.
The luncheon closed with organizers urging civic participation: a final reminder told attendees that the polls would be open on Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The event chiefly served to recognize volunteers’ time and to encourage continued community involvement; no formal policy actions or votes were taken at the luncheon.
