Irene Diffin, a Senior Companion from Perry, Maine received the Outstanding National Service Volunteer Award at the 2008 Governor’s Service Award in Augusta recently. The Senior Companion Program is sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Irene volunteers with the Eastport Health Center Volunteer Station.

Irene has served as a Senior Companion in the Perry/Eastport/Calais area since August, 1982. Irene has visited with over 178 different clients and volunteered over 23,460 hours of time during the past twenty five years.

Presently, Irene has 7 clients that she visits on a regular basis. She is a very compassionate and devoted Senior Companion. She has excellent rapport with her clients and is always willing to help her clients. She brings to her clients a very positive outlook on life and lives by example.

Irene is a lifelong learner and always shares educational materials that she receives at monthly University of Maine Cooperative Extension trainings with her clients. Irene is a wonderful Senior Companion. Her clients remark "Irene is so kind to me. I don’t know what I would do without her. She is always helpful and always baking or making things for me."

Besides her volunteer work as a Senior Companion, she is an active member of the Perry Congregational Church. She helps with public suppers, baking and making things for shut-ins. She is a valued member of the Women’s Fellowship group at the church.

Irene has served for over 25 years as a Senior Companion. She has done an outstanding job helping rural elderly. She is a valued member of her community and her presence and actions help frail elderly maintain their independence.

Congratulations Irene on receiving the Outstanding National Service Volunteer Award at the 2008 Governors Service Awards.

Bill and Marty Leavitt, dedicated volunteers for nine years at University of Maine Cooperative Extension's 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Tanglewood, were honored in Augusta for their tireless efforts to our organization. At the 2008 Governor’s Service Awards ceremony, the Leavitts were presented with an Exemplary Service Award, an honor bestowed to the most dedicated volunteers in the state. Governor John Baldacci was on hand to present the award. Read more at Village Soup. Congratulations Bill and Marty on your well-deserved award!

After complimenting Bill’s shirt, the Governor, along Senator Carol Weston, honors Bill and Marty with their award.

Bill, Marty, Jim, and Cindy talk about Tanglewood with Governor Baldacci.