Celebrating excellence in volunteerism

They come from many walks of life and possess a multitude of talents and skills. Still, the Volunteers of the Month named jointly by the Beloit Daily News and the Voluntary Action Center this past year share something in common.

All can be described as extraordinary individuals for the generous time and efforts they have given of themselves to the Stateline Area.

In celebration of the honorees, the public is invited to reserve a place at the 35th Annual William D. Behling Volunteer of the Month Banquet at the Butterfly Club on Monday, April 13. The reception is set for 6-6:30 p.m. with dinner and a program to follow. Guest speaker will be Monica Kryzstopa of Visit Beloit. To make a reservation, call VAC at 608-355-1278 or email to: info@vac-rocks.org.

And the honorees are:

April 2014 - Otha Williams

Whether hes working with students in the School District of Beloit as a school psychologist, delivering toys at Christmas time for those in need, cooking up a batch of food for a hungry family, helping the homeless find shelter, or providing transportation to appointments for those without vehicles, Otha Williams is known for his kind heart and caring spirit. Having grown up in Beloit, he remains strongly attached to his hometown through his work and his volunteer service. Williams volunteers for the Salvation Army, his church in many ways, is a past president of the Beloit branch of the NAACP and a former vice president of the state branch. He also served on the Rock County Board of Supervisors and belonged to the Black Congressional Congress in Washington, D.C.

May 2014 Theresa Niles

She can be seen at Grinnell Hall Senior Center almost as many hours a week as the center is open. Theresa Niles not only decorates and reframes photos, she also cleans and repurposes items from the attic for the centers gift shop, has taught a variety of classes including crocheting, needlepoint cards, origami and hairpin lace. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, she was stationed throughout Asia and also learned a variety of paper folding arts. She also worked as a picture framer. Niles began volunteering at the center a couple years ago and is known not only for her hard work and artistic skills but for her patience in working with senior citizens as well.

June 2014 Tony Farrell Sr.

Renowned for his community service, Tony Farrell Sr. has been called a complete asset for his town and for Rock County. After 49 years with Voigt Music Center, he has turned his attention and passion 24/7 to the suicide prevention program in an effort to help save lives. Hes also engaged in many other volunteer endeavors. As a volunteer deputy coroner, he also employs his compassion for people. He also serves the public by volunteering at meetings for the Rock County Board of Supervisors, both Beloit and Janesville city councils, Janesville School Board and Blackhawk Technical College. He gives his time to the Beloit Police Reserve Unit, Freedom Fest, New Life Assembly of God Church, Historic Auto Attractions and Museum in Roscoe, Rotary Botanical Gardens, local nursing homes and many other groups.

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Celebrating excellence in volunteerism