CONCORD — Two Upper Valley senior citizens were recognized by the State of New Hampshire this month for their dedicated volunteer work.
Sheila Nelson, 85, of White River Junction, was the 2019 Joseph D. Vaughan Award recipient for Grafton County and Gianna Gregorutti, 80, of Claremont was the award recipient for Sullivan County.
The award is given annually to a senior or a couple from all of New Hampshire’s counties who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer work to benefit other seniors.
Gov. Chris Sununu presented Gregorutti and Nelson with their awards during a ceremony on May 6.
Nelson volunteers at least 40 hours a week at Hanover Terrace, a skilled nursing facility in Hanover, where she assists residents with cooking and activities and provides friendship and comfort.
“I love people,” Nelson said. “I’ve (gotten) so much joy out of the people here.”
She would rather keep busy than stay at home, she added.
“Why sit at home and do nothing?” she said.
Hanover Terrace Administrator Martha Ilsley said that it is a privilege to know Nelson and see the love she brings into the community.
“She is an amazing woman. She never misses a day,” Ilsley said. “Our residents love her; she is like their family. She willingly gives of herself every day to make others happy. If the world had more Sheila’s in it, it would be a much better place.”
Gregorutti is a volunteer driver for Southwestern Community Services in Claremont, which provides transportation for residents who need assistance getting to medical, counseling or physical therapy appointments.
“I’m happy helping people in need,” she said. “I see a lot of it out there.”
Gregorutti was originally hired as a bus driver for the organization in 2003 and began volunteering after her retirement in 2011. She has logged more than 900 trips, volunteering for about 200 hours every year, said Terri Daignault, volunteer driver coordinator.
“Many of our riders have a deep fondness for Gianna, and request her personally,” Daignault said. “Without her heartfelt service, the needs of many of our residents could not have been met.”
During a holiday light tour organized by Southwestern Community Services, Gregorutti dressed up as Mrs. Clause to ensure that everyone was in the holiday spirit.
“Everyone had a great time,” Daignault said. “We are indeed very fortunate to have Gianna Gregorutti as a volunteer driver.”
Gregorutti hopes that other people will be inspired by her and volunteer in their own communities.
“We don’t have enough drivers to help everybody,” she said. “It doesn’t take too much time. It’s just the idea of getting out there.”