Each year, the Office for the Aging and our Advisory Council recognize two older adults in the community. With the help of our Advisory Council, we have chosen two very deserving older adults who have done great work in our community. On September 18th at Francesca’s in Ilion, the two awards will be presented at the RSVP Dinner.
Person of the Year:
Ruth “Ruthie” Morgan has been a resident of New York for 90 years. She volunteered with Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Head Start Program and was on the Mohawk Valley Community Action board. Since 2001, Ruth has been a volunteer with the organization’s Foster Grandparent Program. A 25-year volunteer at Head Start, she has helped students reach their academic and social goals.
Ruth was born into the foster system, saying she was “underestimated but never quit proving people wrong,” publishing the story of her life in the book “Ruthie Deeply.” It is a story of strength and perseverance. Ruth has spent her whole life helping others and giving back. She makes the world brighter for those who need a ray of sunshine.
Ruth has three children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Her profession was as a housekeeper. Before that, she was volunteering at a wraparound day care in Herkimer, New York.
A valuable asset to the community. Ruth makes room in her heart for every child, teacher, parent, or neighbor she encounters. She is kind, thoughtful, and makes everyone that she meets feel special. She also has a sense of humor that makes hard times easy, offering two favorite pieces of advice: “The first 100 years are the hardest; and you can’t kill cast iron.”
Outstanding Contribution:
Volney “Spike” Seeley is known for his friendly demeanor and constant smile. He is not only loved by his fellow volunteers but also deeply appreciated by the clients he serves. His ability to bring people together, foster a sense of community, and offer encouragement during difficult times has made a lasting difference. Whether organizing food distribution, assisting those in crisis, or simply offering a kind word, Volney’s unwavering commitment has strengthened the safety net for countless individuals.
Since his retirement in 2010, Volney has dedicated his time to volunteering, continuing to give back to his community, including the Boy Scouts for three years, coaching Little League sports for four years, and serving as a trustee at the Methodist Church in Dolgeville, New York, for six years.
For 12 years, he has supervised the Dolgeville Food Pantry and served as an ecumenical food and shelter volunteer. With over 3,400 hours of volunteer service for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Herkimer County, Volney has played a vital role in ensuring that individuals and families facing hardship receive the assistance they need.
Volney was born at Little Falls Hospital and grew up in Dolgeville, where he attended school and graduated. After serving three years in the U.S. Army, including a year in Vietnam, he returned home and married in 1969. Since then, he has lived in Salisbury Center, New York, where he and his spouse raised four children. Volney has eight grandchildren. He spent his career in construction, specializing in bridge building, before retiring in 2010.
Volney said, “I enjoy being around both the volunteers and the people we serve at the food pantry. Everyone should give volunteering a try.”
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