Springfield Senior Center chooses Roys for top award

Linda Roys' astonishment was obvious Wednesday when members of the Springfield Senior Center named her Senior of the Year.

www.rutlandherald.com     www.eagletimes.com

Photo by Len Emery Terri Emerson, left, director of the Springfield Senior Center, presents Linda Roy with the center’s 2016 Senior of the Year Award. Published May 26, 2016 in the Rutland Herald Springfield Senior Center chooses Roys for top award By SUSAN SMALLHEER SPRINGFIELD — Linda Roys’ astonishment was obvious Wednesday when members of the Springfield Senior Center named her Senior of the Year. Roys, 73, who lives in Perkinsville, was elected by her fellow seniors, and during an afternoon celebration she collected a flashy, fun tiara, a corsage and gifts from local businesses, as well as hugs and kisses. “Linda is one of those ‘quiet’ people who always step up to the plate and do things to help without making a big deal about it,” said Terri Emerson, director of the center, quoting one of the nominations. She read another: “We love her attitude, as when asked to do something, she always yes: ‘Yes — what the hell!’” and then proceeds to go to work (and) help out.” Other testimonials said Roys was not afraid of hard work, whether it was vacuuming, acting as an auctioneer, leading an exercise class or performing in plays. When Emerson read her name, Roys put her hand to her mouth and looked shocked — pleasantly. Roys said she started coming to the senior center shortly after she retired in 2009 from the Department of Motor Vehicles in Springfield. Before that, she worked for many years for Bryant Grinder Corp. in Springfield, doing accounts payable. “We have a good time,” Roys said of the senior center’s members. “Everybody really likes each other.” She is the mother of two children, Craig and Karen, and has an 11-year-old grandson, Bret Johnson, whom she takes camping. First runner-up for the senior award was Val Woodbury, who missed getting the honor by only two votes. Others on the honor roll included Elizabeth Moulton, Carol Peebles, Donald Gray and Michael Wooton. Emerson said a total of 81 votes were cast, with 25 different senior members mentioned. Emerson, who is stepping down as director of the center this summer, read a roll call of former Seniors of the Year and paid tribute to members of the past. A group of about 10 former centers members were on hand to help with the celebration, as well as helping to serve cake and punch. “They will remain in our hearts forever,” Emerson said. “Each year it gets harder and harder to read these names of people I have known like family, and not just the seniors of the year, but all the members who are like family to me that I have lost.” She added, “The best part of my job is having a big family of members and the worst part is when someone dies.” http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20160526/NEWS02/160529666 2016-05-26 / Front Page 'Cheerful and willing' Roys named 2016 Senior of the Year By Tory Jones Bonenfant toryb@eagletimes.com Senior Citizen Center members congratulate the 2016 Senior of the Year, Linda Roys, right, at a celebration on May 2 in Springfield. — TORY JONES BONENFANT Senior Citizen Center members congratulate the 2016 Senior of the Year, Linda Roys, right, at a celebration on May 2 in Springfield. — TORY JONES BONENFANT SPRINGFIELD — Linda Roys was named Springfield’s Senior of the Year for 2016 on Wednesday, May 25 at the 45th annual ceremony at the Springfield Senior Center. Center Director Terri Emerson, who retires this year after 17 years with the center, presented Roys with a plaque in recognition of the award, and former Seniors of the Year helped escort Roys to the front of the room, crown her with a tiara, and pin a corsage on her. “Linda is one of those quiet people who always step up to the plate and do things without making a big deal about it. A remarkable and conscientious gal in everything she does … she is involved in many activities as both a participant and a leader,” Emerson read from a testimony about Roys, from a blend of comments from other senior center members who voted. “Linda is always so cheerful and willing to do many things with a smile. She is always willing to help in any way she can … We love her attitude, and when asked to do something she always says, ‘Yes, what the hell,’ and then proceeds to go to work helping out! We love her!” the testimony from her fellow senior citizens said. The Center director and Advisory Chairman Elizabeth Perkins recognized Roys for “unselfish and dedicated service.” Roys won several prizes, donated by area businesses, and a certificate for one free day trip of her choice this year or next year. Her name will also be engraved on a plaque in the Program Room. Senior center members cast 81 votes, according to Emerson. Runner-up for Senior of the Year, with a difference of only two votes, was Val Woodbury, who Emerson is also “very involved” in the Senior Center. Four members were named to the Senior Honor Roll for 2016. They are Michael Wooten, Donald Gray, Carol Peebles and Elizabeth Moulton. The Springfield Senior Center will present a Senior Meal at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 2 in recognition of the 2016 honorees.