Two Paso Roblans honored for their community contributions
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Volunteers honored at the reopening of the senior citizen center
-The Paso Robles Senior Center opened its doors on July 1st with a reopening ceremony. Part of the celebrations included AmeriCorps Seniors’ Senior Volunteer Service, which honored two Paso Robles residents with two of the most prestigious awards for their contribution to the community through volunteering.
William (Bill) Pluma received the Carol Conway Award. The Carol Conway Award is given to people who volunteer at all levels. Pluma sees itself as a professional volunteer and advocate for the community. For Pluma, “volunteering opens the door to learning, camaraderie and community service”. Pluma has been volunteering for over 20 years. In 2007 he received a Presidential Award from President Bush. He was recognized by President Bush for over 4,000 hours of volunteering for two consecutive years. He was instrumental in setting up the Food Bank Program. As part of the Food Bank, Pluma started the Grocery Food Barrel Program. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Toy Bank in the Greater Paso Robles Area for over 24 years, as President for 17 years, and as Chairman of the Fundraising Committee for the past seven years. Pluma is also a member of the Optimist Club and works with local high school students who are part of the Junior Optimist Club. He also launched the Main Street Spelling Bee, which takes place in the downtown park.
Pluma encourages all seniors to volunteer. He says, “Seniors have the benefit of the time and life experience that make them perfect volunteer candidates.” Alexis Okumura, Director Senior Volunteer Services, says, “Everyone who knows Bill Pluma knows that he puts his heart and soul into every project that he takes over … he inspires others to do the same. “
Steve Austin received the Director’s Award. This award is given to the person who supports the Senior Volunteer Services program. Austin served as treasurer on the board of the Senior Volunteer Services Program for a total of 7 years. Alexis Okumura said: “Steve is an absolute gentleman who quietly makes his essential expertise available to SVS.”
In addition to Alexis Okumura, Steve Martin, Mayor of Paso Robles, Greg Carpenter, Interim City Manager, a representative from John Peschong’s office, Councilor Fred Strong and many others were present.
Both winners would like to encourage everyone who can to volunteer in their community. If you are over 55 years of age, contact Senior Volunteer Services at (805) 544-8740. Senior Volunteer Services through Americorps Seniors recruits and places volunteers with a nonprofit organization. Many of these organizations rely on their volunteers to keep their doors open.
“Our volunteers make it possible to provide services and activities to our older adults,” said Micki Wright, coordinator for the Paso Robles Senior Center.
About the author: News staff
The news staff for the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news agents can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.
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