(Chelsea Update would like to thank Nancy Paul for the information in this story.)
After 23 years on the job as a volunteer at Faith in Action, Erma O’Connor was honored for her service at the summer staff picnic.
With knowledge of the agency that goes back to the beginning years of operations under the helm of Fr. Jerry Beaumont, O’Connor will tell you that she has loved working to help others and would continue if she could handle the physical demands of the job.
Staff, customers, and fellow volunteers will tell you how hard Erma works and how hard it is to believe she’s as old as she is, but with a laugh, she’ll tell you that she has stuck with it so long because it’s been so gratifying.
In the beginning, O’Connor volunteered with her sister, Elenor Klink, and her cousin, Katherine Eisele. Her current cohort includes Janie Brooks, who gave O’Connor a friendly roast with fellow volunteers last Thursday at the picnic.
Faith in Action has more than 50 regular volunteers who provide 10,000 hours annually.
Regular celebrations are a way to reward people for their efforts, when staff close the office and go off site for a little relaxation and good food.
Marge and Dave Mastie, who have award-winning gardens and a great party space in their home, host the summer event every year, and barbeque donated by Smokehouse 52 creates the base for the potluck.
My grandmother’s name is spelled Elenor Klink, there is no “a”.
Congratulations Aunt Erma!