Schafer honored for service to seniors

Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder this week presented Dorothy Schafer of Maryville with the Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award.

Kinder bestowed the award at the Nodaway County Senior Center on East First Street. Schafer was nominated by Amie Firavich, the center's administrator.

Firavich spoke warmly of Schafer's contributions to Meals on Wheels, saying that the Parnell native has always stood ready to help out in any way she can.

"We've got her on speed dial," said Firavich, adding that Schafer is one of a team of 80 volunteers of all ages who deliver an average of 100 Meals on Wheels five days a week in addition to serving about 75 meals a day in the center dining hall.

Schafer has volunteered at the center for many years and occasionally helps out with food preparation as well as delivery. While taking meals to local senior citizens and others she is sometimes accompanied by students from St. Gregory's School and Maryville Middle School.

"I think it's important for them to be aware that there are elderly people out there," she said.

Schafer can also often be found in the kitchen at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church, where she helps prepare funeral and Guild dinners and serves as a eucharistic minister, taking communion to the homebound and nursing home residents and visiting parishioners when they are in the hospital.

Kinder said Schafer could proudly take her place among the "countless" older Missourians whose acts of charitable and public service set them apart as "everyday heroes."

Firavich added that "Dorothy’s selfless caring about the welfare of others is her most outstanding trait as a volunteer. She is an excellent role model for community service."

Kinder presented Schafer with a framed declaration and a Senior Service Award lapel pin. She was honored earlier this year during a similar ceremony in Jefferson City

"Dorothy Schafer sets an example for all Missourians with her kindness and willingness to serve her community tirelessly," Kinder said. "Her selfless service is an inspiration to all who know her."

Due to a record number of nominations, Kinder this year expanded the Senior Service Awards, naming a total of 34 older Missourians to the honor, one each from the state’s 34 senatorial districts. Recipients ranged in age from 60 to over 100.