Timbers honors two ‘volunteers extraordinaire’ – Susan Bennett and Geri Martinez

Timbers’ residents Susan Bennett and Geri Martinez received the “Joni Hilger Volunteer of the Year Award” at the Timbers of Shorewood’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held during National Volunteer Week on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Timbers, 1100 North River Road, Shorewood.

The theme for the April 21-27, 2024, National Volunteer Week is “Celebrate Service.” It’s an opportunity to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire people to serve.

“Susan and Geri are good friends who not only help each other but those they come into contact with. They help with games, activities, organization, set up, and clean up. Each has such a giving nature. It’s truly genuine.”

Amy Odell, Activities Director at the Timbers

The Timbers’ award is named for Joni Hilger who was a beloved volunteer at the Timbers. In 2020, she was named Volunteer of the Year, but because of COVID-19 restrictions, the presentation did not take place. Tragically, Joni passed away.

On May 8, 2021, the Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Joni’s family, an award that, from that day forward, became known as the “Joni Hilger Volunteer of the Year Award.”

“I’ve been at the Timbers five years,” said Sue Bennett. “Geri and I have become good friends. We are on the welcoming committee and the newspaper committee. I enjoy giving back, and the honor of being named Volunteer of the Year feels good.”

April is National Volunteer Month, a month when people celebrate the work that volunteers do year-round. Organizations across the country are recognizing their volunteers for helping them achieve their mission. April became National Volunteer Month in 1991 as part of President George H. W. Bush’s 1000 Points of Light campaign.

Volunteering has been shown to improve memory and help with executive function – the mental skills that make-up a person’s active memory, provide for flexible thinking, and set the stage for self-control – all skills required each day. Such skills may help slow or prevent the onset of dementia. They lead to a strong sense of self-control, self-confidence, and connectedness which can help stave off depression.

“Susan Bennett and I have become very good friends,” said Geri Martinez, a resident of the Timbers for seven years. “In fact, the staff and other residents say, ‘You don’t see one of us without the other.’ Volunteering makes me feel so grateful.”

The Timbers of Shorewood Senior Living is a rental retirement community that provides senior independent living and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for short-term stays.

For more information, call (815) 609-0669.

Timbers Volunteer Appreciation Photo Gallery