Suffolk News-Herald

Dot Harvell, a veteran volunteer with Suffolk Meals on Wheels, was recently selected as the organization’s Volunteer of the Year.

She, as well as people who have put in 5, 10 or 15 years of service, were recognized during the Nov. 6 awards ceremony in Bethlehem Christian Church on Holland Road. The program was held to recognize the approximately 210 volunteers who have contributed their time to delivering meals to the sick and shut-in clients or to those who are unable to fix their own food.

Harvell has been working in the organization’s office and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels since 1992. Before that, she and her first late husband owned and operated Suffolk Floral Gardens for 27 years. Her second husband, who died earlier this year, was delivering Meals on Wheels when the couple met.

Harvell said she enjoyed helping those who aren’t able to prepare their own meals.

&uot;I will continue to make deliveries until I can’t do it anymore,&uot; she said. &uot;Getting out of the house in this way makes me feel that I am really doing something worthwhile.&uot;

Harvell was also recognized for Volunteer of the Second Quarter.

Special recognition of other quarters were: Juanita Hicks, first; Joan and Charles Hughes, third; and Harriet Wills, fourth.

Others on the program were Hugh A. West, board chairman; the Rev. Michael Halley, pastor of Suffolk Christian Church; Suffolk Mayor E. Dana Dickens III; and Windsor Mayor Marvin A. Crocker Jr.

Soloist Sarah Burford also performed.

Dewitt told the volunteers that each of them had been inspired, educated, engaged, and challenged – challenged to do what they are doing with pride; engaged in dialogues with volunteer friends and homebound recipients; and through it all, inspired by the vision of caring.

&uot;I’ve learned that no matter what happens or how bad it seems today. Life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she handles three things – a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights,&uot; Dewitt said. &uot;I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they are gone from your life. I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

&uot;I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decisions. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

&uot;I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.&uot;