Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Celebrated at Nassau County Council on Aging

More than 85 volunteers gathered last week for Nassau County Council on Aging’s (NCCOA) Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, held at the Berkman Pavilion & Memorial Garden on the organization’s campus. The event featured an Asian-themed meal catered by Fernandina Beach’s New China Buffet.

NCCOA President and CEO Janice Ancrum opened the program with words of gratitude, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” She added, “He believed that volunteering requires only a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. That’s you. Thank you for loving our seniors.”

Additional remarks were delivered by Board Chair Keith Meyer, Chief Resources Officer Don Harley, and Volunteer & Outreach Director Chris Fournier. Fournier highlighted the impact of volunteer service, noting that in 2025, 564 volunteers contributed more than 15,000 hours—valued at over $500,000 in service. “We could not keep our doors open without the dedication and indispensable support of our volunteers,” he said.

Set against a backdrop of beautiful, breezy weather, guests enjoyed live music from Bruce Beville, Amy Basse, and Dan Meier. Attendees were also presented with handheld fans as a small token of NCCOA’s appreciation.

Fournier then introduced a special “Fan Dance” performance by NCCOA volunteer line dance instructor Kathy Ball and NCCOA volunteers Cheryl Bitner, and Heidi Freilich. The audience joined in by snapping their fans along with the dance.

For more information on how to get involved with Nassau County Council on Aging, visit www.nassaucountycouncilonaging.org.