I read this today and thougth I would share it. Some people are simply beautiful and here is JoAnn Adams, Calvert County Md. We can all take bits and pieces from this and maybe apply it to our own lives and give a helping hand. So many people and pets need help these days. Instead of having that Christmas party, lunch or dinner, take the time or money and donate or volunteer to what ever is dear to your heart!
JoAnn Adams JoAnn Adams has made Calvert County her home since 1965 when her family moved to Chesapeake Beach. This is also the area where JoAnn began her career as a volunteer. In 1967, she and her husband started the Twin Beach Youth Group.
Shortly after, with the assistance of Stallings-Williams Post 206 American Legion sponsorship, JoAnn established the Legionettes Majorettes & Drum Corps. She was the backbone of this organization for its entire 25 years. She gave hundreds of youth opportunities that they may have never had. She made sure if a child wanted to be a part of this family, whether they had black shoes or not, there would always be a spot in the performance for him/her. Although the organization discontinued, the memories and friendships continue forever. In the '80s, JoAnn completed training at the Abused Person Program. She volunteered as an advocate for APP and would accompany clients to court and respond to calls for an advocate in the middle of the night. She volunteered as an advocate for about five years. In 1997, JoAnn began working with the ARC and became very attached to the people she served. She often would have planned parties and take trips, a lot of which were at her own expense. While working with ARC, she began visiting the "On Our Own" Drop-In Center. After some time, JoAnn was asked to be on the board as a volunteer. During this time, she planned parties, trips, picnics, and other special events. Like the other periods of volunteering, JoAnn's main objective was to make sure she provided others with as many opportunities as possible. Jo, as some call her, has been president of the board for the last two years. Since she has taken this position, she has provided many others with opportunities and experiences with events such as the Annual Luau. About 150-200 clients and staff of ARC and On Our Own enjoy an evening of good food, Hawaiian atmosphere, music and door prizes. Two years ago, the attendees also enjoyed a surprise appearance by "Elvis." Much of the event is provided by donations such as food, prizes and especially time. Many of Jo's lifelong volunteer friends help with the cooking, decorating, serving and cleanup. On a daily basis, Jo has does much for the On Our Own clients such as taking them to workshops, trips to Ocean City, camping, picnics, movies, into the community. She also schedules speakers to talk to them about issues of health, safety and their feelings. In addition to the On Our Own family, Jo tries to stay active in the American Original Fife and Drum Corps. She has marched with them since 1991, but due to health and injuries her appearances have become limited. The group performs in Washington, Maryland and Virginia. They also travel and perform across the United States and even out of the country. During this time, she has provided many communities with opportunities and experiences while doing what she loves.
Volunteer of the Year
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