The Williams Lake Seniors Village community, friends and family gathered together last Friday afternoon to honour Jessie Voth who was chosen by her peers as the village’s Resident of the Year.
The honour recognized that she consistently and strongly demonstrated the kind, caring and neighbourly actions befitting of their model resident.
Jessie is known throughout the community as the “welcome ambassador,” going out of her way to introduce and include all new residents, in turn easing their transition into their new home.
She is involved in multiple quality improvement committees in her community including the tenant council and food committee, offering valuable feedback in a positive and constructive manner.
Jessie spends countless hours volunteering within the village, reading to visually impaired residents, assisting others on special outings and acting as a peer advocate for those with dementia and other medical challenges.
She has also had several “buddies” from the Intergenerational program with students from Cataline Elementary school, building relationships which bridge the generation gap.
Tenants and staff describe Jessie as a “genuine friend.”
There is no doubt her selfless disposition is an inspiration to all residents, visitors and staff.
Jessie is simply a pillar in the Seniors Village and is congratulated by her peers, family and friends.
Jessie says she was surprised to be chosen for the recognition.
“I was totally overwhelmed, Jessie says.
“I felt encouraged and really good all over and very honoured.”
Now 89, Jessie jokes that in all her life she has never been honoured in this way “so I must have been a slow learner.”
She says she very much enjoyed the Black Forest cake and bouquet of flowers provided in her honour and seeing place- mats with her picture on them.
“It was so special,” Jessie says.
She says that participating in village activities and helping other residents with mobility difficulties to participate in events and activities helps to keep her fit.
Jessie volunteers at the village concession, sings with the village choir and participates in exercise classes twice a week, attends bible studies and church services and helps to keep the village floral arrangements watered.
“For me life is very good here,” says Jessie, who has a large extended family living in and around the Williams Lake area.