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Will Nielson, GBEON chairman, Martha Cushing, GBEON volunteer coordinator, Joseph Pietrowicz, winner of the first David Smith Award, Bonnie Bagley, associate director of Catholic Charities, and Wendy Russell, GBEON program director, from left, pose at the May 2 GBEON volunteer celebration at Grace Episcopal Church in Bath. (Courtesy of GBEON)
Will Nielson, GBEON chairman, Martha Cushing, GBEON volunteer coordinator, Joseph Pietrowicz, winner of the first David Smith Award, Bonnie Bagley, associate director of Catholic Charities, and Wendy Russell, GBEON program director, from left, pose at the May 2 GBEON volunteer celebration at Grace Episcopal Church in Bath. (Courtesy of GBEON)
BATH — The Greater Bath Elder Outreach Network (GBEON), a program of Catholic Charities Maine, held its annual volunteer celebration May 2 with an afternoon tea hosted by the Women of Grace at Grace Episcopal Church.

This year’s presentation included a new award named in honor of David Smith, who died last year.

“A priest, therapist, community activist and founding chairman of GBEON, Smith devoted his life to alleviating suffering wherever he found it,” a GBEON release states.

“Smith had a tremendous capacity for both love and action,” GBEON board chairman Will Neilson said in the release. “I’m comforted by the fact that the program he started is still imbued with his spirit today.”

This year’s David Smith Award was presented to Joseph Pietrowicz for his dedication and commitment to exemplifying the values and mission of the program.

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“We are delighted to present this year’s inaugural David Smith Award to Joseph as he is a wonderful volunteer and friend who gave more than 300 hours of his time last year,” volunteer coordinator Martha Cushing said in the release. “Whether it was running errands, shoveling driveways, playing cribbage or just being there for his client, Joseph embodies the true spirit of our mission.”

Linda Hjortland, who attended the event with her client, was also recognized for her five years of service to the program. Hjortland noted that “just knowing the seniors adds so much to my life.”

The event featured pianist David Stone whose performance motivated the audience to sing along to favorites from Doris Day, Irving Berlin and a military medley.

GBEON provides free services to help elderly people in Sagadahoc, Brunswick and Harpswell remain independent in their homes. Screened and trained volunteers provide services such as companionship, friendly visits, telephone reassurance and help with errands and grocery shopping.

Volunteers of all ages and religious denominations are needed. For more information, or to refer someone as a client, call Martha Cushing at 837-8810 or email mcushing@ccmaine.org.

news@timesrecord.com


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