The Sullivan County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) held their 51st Anniversary Recognition Luncheon Event at the Villa Roma Clubhouse Tuesday morning.

The event saw a full room enjoy a good meal courtesy of Villa Roma staff.

During the ceremony, any veteran who was attending was asked by  Deborah Worden, RSVP Advisory Council Member, to stand and to be accoladed and applauded.

The day was described by Sullivan County’s Office for the Aging Director Lise-Anne Deoul as being all about the volunteers.

“You are the heart of everything we do,” said Deoul. “Whether you’re delivering meals, providing medical transportation, or supporting our local nonprofits. We make a lasting impact on the lives of our older adults and wider  community.”

In her remarks, she stated that their dedication allows for Office of the Aging organizations to fulfill their missions and “quite simply, we couldn’t do it without you.”

“Volunteering is so much more than just an act of service. It’s an opportunity to stay engaged, connected and vibrant,” stated Deoul.

This year also saw the first Driver Recognition Event as well.

This event honored those who went above and beyond in providing critical transportation services.

Sullivan County Legislators Matt McPhillips, Luis Alvarez and Cat Scott were invited to also share a few words during the ceremony.

“I think it’s really important to recognize when these programs go so well,” said McPhillips. “It really shows the best of what Sullivan County has to offer.”

“The important calculation [is not the dollar amount that volunteer hours represent] is the lives that you touch,” explained Scott. “You are making a remarkable difference in our community. You’re making connection and that’s what community is; it’s connection.”

Alvarez noted how a lot of the volunteers present he remembers over the years.

“We’re still alive, we still care and we’re still doing the best we can,” said Alvarez. “I am very proud to be here and I remember many of the RSVPs from when I was young.”

“We’re here to show those in our lives how much we can do to better our lives and better everything else.”