Department:
Health and Human Services Agency

Date:
6/11/2018
Contact:
Margaret Williams

Phone:
(530) 642-7164

​2018 Senior of the Year Winners and Nominees

in El Dorado County


Dennis and Ann Letl2.jpg

Dennis and Ann Letl receive the El Dorado County 2018 Senior of the Year Award

 

(Placerville, CA) - The votes are in for the 2018 Senior of the Year award in El Dorado County. Ann and Dennis Letl, both retired residents of Rescue, were named as recipients of the award during the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting on May 22, 2018. Ann and Dennis were recognized for their exemplary volunteer service with the Snowline Hospice, an organization that provides support to hospice patients near end of life and their families. In addition to Ann and Dennis, seventeen other older adults from El Dorado County were recognized as nominees for Senior of the Year.

Ann says she was both shocked and honored to receive the award. "I wasn't expecting it at all, but Dennis and I are very pleased," said Ann. As an In-House Volunteer for Snowline Hospice for the past 25 years, Ann has provided countless hours of dedicated service and support to individuals in hospice care in El Dorado County and their families. She estimates that she has worked with 500 patients and families over the years. Her work varies with each situation, but has included warming meals, giving medicine reminders, holding hands, sharing memories and providing critical companionship and support during a difficult time.

Ann says she was motivated to volunteer for Snowline Hospice because of her own experience losing her mother to cancer when she was only 12 years old. "I remember how hard it was for my family during that time," said Ann. "When I grew up, I wanted to do something to help families in that situation."

Dennis has been a dedicated volunteer with Snowline Hospice for the past seven years. As a Courier Volunteer, he picks up and delivers medicines and supplies to patients who need them, but who are not able to drive due to mobility issues. Dennis says he first became involved as a volunteer with Snowline Hospice because of his wife's involvement with the organization and because he saw a need. "I get to help people and also drive around our county, which is quite beautiful," said Dennis. Is it estimated that Dennis has delivered medicines and supplies to over 200 patients.

Both Ann and Dennis continue to volunteer and say they find their work challenging and very rewarding. They say they appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the community, and that many families have expressed their heartfelt thanks for their service.

In addition to Ann and Dennis, seventeen other older adults in El Dorado County were recognized as nominees for 2018 Senior of the Year, in recognition of their volunteer service to the community. These individuals included: Connie Clark, Lana Deering, Jerry Fenno, Roger Filippelli, Georgia Gruver, Betsy Kerr, Ernie Lory, Pam Lloyde, Joyce Matin, Leon Malmed, Milton Mulligan, George and Pat Schultz, Michelle Smith, Helen Stuart, Rita Timewell, and Deanna Yee.

The Senior of the Year award is sponsored each year in El Dorado County by the El Dorado County Area Agency on Aging and the Commission on Aging. According to Michelle Hunter, manager with El Dorado County Senior Programs, the local recognition event has been in existence for at least 30 years, and possibly longer. "We are so pleased to be able to highlight the many contributions of our senior members of the community through the Senior of the Year award," said Michelle.

For questions about the award and/or to learn about local programs and services offered in El Dorado County for older adults, call the El Dorado County Senior Information and Assistance line at (530) 621-6369 or (800) 510-2020, or visit https://www.edcgov.us/SeniorService.aspx. For questions about Snowline Hospice services in El Dorado County, or for information about volunteering with the organization, contact Snowline Hospice at their main phone line at (530) 621-7820.

 

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