On Thursday, Warwick’s Senior Services department hosted a reception to honor its volunteers. Invitations were sent to 166 volunteers, about 100 of whom attended. Keynote speaker, DEA Director Charles Fogarty spoke about the importance of volunteerism both to the Center and to the volunteers themselves, who generously give their time and talent. Mayor Avedisian stated in his remarks that the volunteers’ work benefits not just the Pilgrim Senior Center, but is invaluable to the community as a whole. Attendees enjoyed meals donated by Rigatoni’s. The Centracchio Quintet provided the music.

BUTTERFLY TREE

: The event’s theme was “Volunteers make the World a Brighter Place." The graphic used for the invitations and program featured a tree covered in origami butterflies. Staff members Kathleen Bennett and Patty Almonte created the tree for the Volunteer Reception. Each of the 166 butterflies was inscribed with the name of a volunteer at Pilgrim. PART OF THE CROWD:

From left, Louise Brown, Ava Swinehart, Carol Medvid, Elaine Bartholomew, Joan Murtough, and Anna Vincent attended the event to honor the volunteers.  

SPEAKERS:

 Kathleen Bennett, Senior Center Program Manager; Charles Fogarty, Director of the Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs; Mayor Scott Avedisian, and Meg Underwood, Director of Senior Services thanked the volunteers for their contributions. (Submitted photos).