Tom Mayhew named Senior Services July Volunteer of Month Fun Fact: Peaches

Tom Mayhew named Senior Services July Volunteer of Month

BY ALLISON ROSSI UTTER

Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager, Midland County Senior Services

Tom Mayhew has been named Senior Services July Volunteer of the Month. Tom volunteers at the Coleman Activity and Dining Center, driving for Meals on Wheels, since December 2019.

He has logged over 172 hours driving the out-of-town route in Coleman. He not only delivers a hot meal to clients, but also provides a kind demeanor and listening ear they can rely on. Sheryl Watson, Coleman Center director, says, “I love having Tom as a volunteer! He is very conscientious and caring with the seniors.” When asked why he volunteers, Tom replied, “I wanted to give back to my community that helped me when I had a kidney transplant years ago.” He explained that he was born and raised in Coleman and has lived there all of his life. He continued, “I know the area and know that there is a great need here.” Tom got choked up asked why he continues to volunteer at Senior Services. He said, “I feel like I am their protector. I have gotten to know the clients and they will tell you everything. You become part of their family.” Tom shared a story of how he saw About a dozen people participate in a line dancing class Friday, March 11, 2022 at Trailside Acitivity and Dining Center in Midland. (Katy Kildee /

Midland Daily News)

an unsafe situation that was concerning to him while he was delivering a meal to a client. He shared the situation with Sheryl Watson. Tom explained that the following week when he delivered to the same client, the unsafe situation had been taken care of and a safer solution was put in place. “Tom notices things that may not seem right and will report back right away so that we can check on those folks,” Sheryl said. “He takes his volunteer job very seriously and can always be depended on to do the job right and with compassion.” Tom retired from Delfield after 37 years. He has also been married to his wife, Shari, for the same amount of time. They have two grown sons along with two granddaughters and one grandson. Tom enjoys rabbit hunting with his three beagles along with raising chickens. He has been a volunteer coach for Little League and football in the past. Meals on Wheels helps older adults live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes by providing nutritious, well-balanced meals. Seniors can find comfort in knowing that a good meal and a friendly face

FUN FACT:

Peaches are used to add flavor to many different foods. Perhaps that is why each year the United States grows 1.9 billion pounds of peaches.

will come with every visit. Every Meals on Wheels client is connected with a care coordinator, who works in partnership with each older adult and their family to take the guesswork out of identifying needs and coordinating services. Thank you, Tom, for your dedication to Senior Services Meals on Wheels clients! We really appreciate your volunteer spirit. Congratulations on being chosen Volunteer of the Month.

More volunteers needed

Senior Services is in need of Seasons Adult Day volunteers, friendly visitors, shopping and Meals on Wheels drivers, transportation drivers, and handyman volunteers. If you choose to volunteer with us, you will be embarking on a rewarding adventure that will have a huge impact on the older adults of Midland County. The Activity & Dining Centers and Seasons are always looking for any and all kinds of entertainment. Do you play an instrument? Do magic? Puppets? Call Allison if you are interested in volunteering to share your talent. Visit www.SeniorServicesMidland.org to fill out a volunteer contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.