Jackson County recipients of the N.C. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service were, from left, Kaye Ricco, Good Samaritan Clinic; Mike Ensley, Jackson County Emergency Management; Ray Crawford, Deberah Buchanan, Raymond Faulkner and Cole Wilson, representing the county's fire department, rescue squads and first responders; and Janet and Howard Papke, Pathways for the Future volunteers.
A reception and ceremony was held at Haywood Community College last month to recognize and honor local recipients of the N.C. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. This event marked the 24th anniversary of the statewide awards, which are presented to individuals, groups and businesses that made a significant contribution to their community last year through volunteer service. Through the years, North Carolinians have proven their concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in their local communities, Gov. Mike Easley said. "Volunteering is an investment in our community that results in immeasurable benefits," said Easley. "I salute the winners of this volunteer service award." Those receiving the N.C. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service from Jackson County were the Good Samaritan Clinic of Jackson County; all members of Jackson County's fire departments, rescue squads and first responder teams; and Howard and Janet Papke. The Good Samaritan Clinic was cited for providing much-needed medical care to the underserved population in Jackson County. This target population is adults within the county between the ages of 18 and 64 who are uninsured and whose income falls below 150 percent of poverty level. The Good Samaritan Clinic operates from the Jackson County Department of Public Health every Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. The next citation stated, "While recognizing that each and every volunteer who volunteers within their community is meritorious, our local firefighters, rescue squads and first responders are even more so because of the special nature of their volunteerism. "This special group of volunteers is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and they are often asked to perform their duties in life-threatening situations. As evidenced by the events of 9-11, the role of firemen has been brought to the forefront as being "unsung heroes." "But, our volunteer firemen are the ultimate unsung heroes, since they perform their duties without the benefit a paycheck. The first responders and rescue squad members have saved many lives by being the first to arrive on scene to provide medical assistance until an ambulance arrives." Finally, Howard and Janet Papke were honored for their service as volunteers with Pathways for the Future. They were cited as dedicated volunteers who have refurbished more than 200 computers, which have been placed in homes of people with disabilities in our community, thus giving these individuals access to technology that would otherwise be unavailable to them because of their limited income. Since the handicapped often are limited to access to their community and the world outside their home, the computers have opened up the outside world for many of them. National Volunteer Week is April 27 through May 3. "Jackson County has a proud history and tradition of volunteerism and has many dedicated and committed volunteers who give so freely of their time in providing services to the community," said health educator Jimmi Buell. "To all volunteers, Jackson County says thank you."
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