Judy Swain is a woman who brings cheer
Judy Swain is no stranger to the Bonney Lake Senior Center. As an active member and dutiful volunteer, she’s left her mark on the many people and events she has helped with over the past three years.
Her service hasn’t gone unnoticed. On Dec. 31, Swain was honored before a holiday dinner crowd of 100 as the 2008 Bonney Lake Senior of the Year, selected from among 50 ballots cast by her peers.
Some of those ballots included remarks that praised her character traits and talents that, in part, include her ability to offer help where it’s needed most, assisting with bingo, shying away from any credit due her and helping to make the center a fun place many look forward to coming to.
Director Sue Hilberg mirrored those remarks. “She volunteers for any event, whether asked to or not,” she said.
A retired bookkeeper, Swain served in 2008 as the 2008 treasurer on the Senior Advisory Board. As if that wasn’t enough, she also keeps the center’s memory album updated by marking it with mementos and photos of special trips and occasions.
Some of those events include holidays, when Swain is especially known for dressing in themed attire.
“She has something special to wear, whatever the holiday,” Hilberg said. “She was a German girl for Oktoberfest, a go-go-girl for Halloween and a leprechaun for St. Patrick’s Day.”
Senior Services Assistant Staci Guirsch said Swain’s creativity and willingness to help others is greatly appreciated by staff and seniors alike.
“She’s a remarkable woman,” she said. “She’s always looking for ways to help.”
Others thought so, too.
As Hilberg made the Senior of the Year announcement and called out her name, Swain made her way through a holiday crowd of 100 guests who enthusiastically applauded and cheered. She was presented with a tiara and informed she’d soon be receiving a red fleece pullover embroidered with the words, “Bonney Lake Senior of the Year.”
Swain humbly accepted the title and thanked her peers.
“She brings a lift to every event,” Hilberg said. “She’s just a hoot.”
Reach Judy Halone at jhalone@courierherald.com or 360-802-8210.
