Linda Wilson named Springfield Senior of the Year

A retired state social worker was honored as Springfield's Senior Citizen of 2011 Wednesday.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110526/NEWS02/705269891

Published May 26, 2011 in the Rutland Herald

Wilson named Springfield Senior of the Year

By SUSAN SMALLHEER

Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD — Linda Wilson “makes the Senior Center jump.”

So it made perfect sense, that Wilson was elected the senior citizen of the year Wednesday, the 41st time the Springfield Senior Center honored one of its members.

Wilson, 63, was lauded as giving countless hours to the center, whether it is taking photographs and keeping them organized, or as co-director of the center’s talent show.

“Linda is always coming up with new ideas to promote fun at the Senior Center,” said Terri Emerson, the director of the center. “She’s a creative lady who loves to share her joy and talent with others.”

Emerson read a tribute to Wilson, based on the narratives included in the balloting for the annual award.

Wilson, who lives in the Mountain View development in Springfield, moved to town in 1977 to work for the state’s social service agency, then called the Department of Social Welfare.

She retired after 34 years of service from the Department of Economic Services.

She got involved with the Senior Center in 2004, a year after she retired, because she wanted a place to walk in the bad weather.

Julie Kiniry was Wilson’s supervisor when she first moved to Springfield, and the two longtime friends were both honored Wednesday. Kiniry was one of two runners-up to the award, the other going to Nancy Fielder.

Kiniry said that Wilson devoted many hours at the center. “She can handle most anything,” said Kiniry, as Wilson was pinned with a yellow rose corsage, given a rhinestone tiara and countless hugs and kisses from other members of the center. She also received gifts from several Springfield businesses.

Kiniry was honored for her work with the Senior Songsters. “Julie has put life into the Songsters and made them ‘almost’ world famous,” Emerson said.

Fielder is the center’s ceramics instructor, and she was praised for her artistry, her teaching, and her volunteerism.

“Nancy is the paid ceramic instructor but puts in many, many volunteer hours,” said Emerson.

Also winning recognition were Jackie Stankevich and William Buskey.

Wilson said after she joined the center, she became good friends with Emerson. “She’s always volunteering me,” she said.

Right now Wilson is working on plays for the members to perform in the coming year, Emerson said.

Emerson said that the annual award was a result of the belief of the founder and first director of the Springfield Senior Center, Eleanor Hilliard, that people should receive recognition for their talents and contributions before they die — not afterward.

“Many times we don’t honor people until after death,” said Emerson. “The Senior of the Year honors people now, when they can enjoy the honor.”

On hand Wednesday were many former honorees who participated in the traditional ceremony.

Emerson urged the members to express appreciation to each other. “Praise is so special,” she said.

Susan Smallheer photo Linda Wilson, left, was named Springfield Senior Citizen of 2011 Wednesday. With her are Nancy Fielder, center, and Julie Kiniry, right, who were the two runners-up. Springfield started the tradition of honoring a citizen 41 years ago.