Montpelier, VT-  Governor James Douglas recognized Champlain Valley Agency on Aging’s (CVAA)  volunteers for their outstanding community service. Gov Douglas commented that "Throughout Vermont’s history, volunteers have been dedicated to protecting and preserving our environment, mentoring young people, feeding the hungry, assisting the homeless, donating time and money to nonprofits, serving in local civic organizations, and countless other services. The 2008 Governor’s Community Service Awards  recognized outstanding volunteers who have devoted so much of their time and energy to improving the lives of other members of Vermont’s communities."  CVAA volunteers recognized by Gov. Douglas were Llyn Ellison of Colchester, Rod Bryant of South Burlington, Carolyn Horton of Swanton, Dennis West of Vergennes, and George Warfield of Vergennes.  Ellison is a Friendly Visitor for CVAA, volunteering over 100 hours each year providing companionship to seniors. Ellison combined her love of gardening and her desire to work with elders. Ellison has helped seniors maintain their gardens.

Llyn Ellison

Bryant was recognized for his over 17 years of delivering Meals on Wheels for both Burlington and Milton. He has been known to deliver two routes in one day, as well as all five days during a given week when necessary. CVAA also operates a Restaurant Meals Program where seniors purchase tickets at a reduced price for meals at participating local restaurants. Rod purchases several meal tickets every month and gives them away to seniors who he knows cannot afford the tickets on their own.

Rod Bryant

Horton has been visiting seniors in Franklin County since 2006. Horton has been a Senior Companion and a volunteer Friendly Visitor. Horton has helped seniors live independently by providing assistance with grocery shopping and other daily tasks.

West provides guidance for middle and high school students from Vergennes Union High School giving support and assistance to the Vergennes Community Meals Program. The program serves nutritious meals in a group setting to anyone 60 or older.

Warfield has delivered Meals on Wheels for over 25 years. Meals on Wheels provides hot nutritious meals to seniors unable to prepare their own food. As a result of meeting people while delivering meals Warfield has given seniors rides to medical appointments and invited them over for a meal if they had no family in the area. The Champlain Valley Agency on Aging relies on its over 860 volunteers to help seniors remain independent.

George Warfield

The Champlain Valley Agency on Aging is a private non-profit United Way organization dedicated to helping people age with independence and dignity. CVAA  is the resource on senior issues for the Champlain Valley. CVAA provides Case Management , Meals on Wheels, Successful Aging Programs and support to seniors age 60 and older in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties and their caregivers.