Three Chesterfield County seniors, Irene Barbara Mason, Ruth Jordan, and Nancy Ross, were inducted into the Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame, a program established in 1983 to recognize seniors who make a difference in their communities. Mason, Jordan, and Ross were recognized last month during a ceremony on May 26 at the Chesterfield County Government Complex.
Fifteen Chesterfield County seniors were nominated this year for their valuable contributions to the community, collectively totaling 53,187 hours. All of the nominees were at least 60 years old, reside in Chesterfield County, and began their volunteer work after turning 60. Other nominees were Robert Behage, Lucy Burnette, Kathy Epperson, Paul Gauvin, Lynda Gormus, Linda Hammer, Jeronica Hardison, Sandra Richardson, Alice Robinson, Kristine von Ruffler, Charlie Wood and Don Yeargan.
The event was attended by county officials as well as friends, families and supporters of the 2016 nominees and inductees.
Irene Barbara Mason, at 91 volunteers at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, singing with a group at two nursing homes each month. Additionally, she has been a volunteer at Chippenham Hospital for over 41 years – the longest of any volunteer there. While at Chippenham Hospital, Mason has helped in many ways. She has served at the information desk, changed water pitchers, sold newspapers, and assisted with discharging patients. Mason has been a resident of Chesterfield for 42 years.
Ruth Jordan has a lifelong commitment to volunteering. From 1973 to 2003, she provided volunteer health care as a member of the Bensley Bermuda Rescue Squad, where she was proud to be the first female member. Afterward, she began volunteering with the Chesterfield County Police Department. She helps with special programs such as K-9 training, National Night Out, and acting in training scenarios for recruits. She has been a resident of Chesterfield for 80 years.
Nancy Ross went from retirement to being a full-time volunteer. She advocates for seniors through her work with several programs. Some of these include Rebuilding Together, which provides seniors with home repairs and accessibility ramps. At the Chesterfield County Food Bank, she helps gather food and coordinates donations for holiday meals. Ross has also worked with the Chesterfield Social Services-Ettrick Neighborhood Foundation to establish a medication assistance program. She is a gift to the Ettrick community and has been a resident of Chesterfield for 27 years.
