Years of volunteering give back in time of need

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

For her considerable work “behind the scenes” at Berwick’s Christ Church Anglican, Florence Carter is Berwick’s Volunteer of the Year for 2008.

Carter has been attending Christ Church since 1946, when she settled with her husband, Gordon, on a farm a short distance north-west of Berwick. In the early 1950s and ‘60s, she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and, for at least 20 years, has been a member of the Altar Guild, which makes preparations for communion. Bev Richardson, who nominated Carter for the award, says “indeed, sometimes Florence was the Altar Guild.”

Carter has also belonged to the Anglican Church Women (ACW) organization for over 50 years, for which she served as treasurer for over 40 years. She joins other ACW members in catering events and bakes, cooks for and hosts church luncheons which have been a fixture in the community for about 40 years.

Carter, who admitted to being surprised by the nomination, said she is lucky “for being part of such a good church family.” She has seen many faces come and go in the parish since she joined in 1946, but has built many “wonderful friendships” in those years.

Raised on an Aylesford-area mixed farm with eight siblings, Carter said church didn’t play as big a role in her younger years.

“Our family didn’t have a vehicle so we didn’t venture too far, and our day-to-day life was more about making ends meet on the farm.”

Despite sharing the responsibilities that came with raising four of her own children and running the family farm, Carter always made time to give back to her community.

“While she pulled turnips and helped with the haying, she never failed to continue with her volunteer duties at the church,” detailed her nomination papers.

Carter said her association with the church and other organizations, including the Berwick Food Bank, Aylesford District Red Cross and Progressive Conservative Women’s Association; has given plenty back to her as well. Recently widowed, she is thankful for the support of her church family and credits her continuing volunteer work for helping her adjust to life following the passing of her husband.

“Volunteering and the friends I have made volunteering have really helped me through this difficult time.”

Carter has no immediate plans to halt her volunteer work, where she “just does her work in her quiet little way.

“As long as I am able, I hope to keep helping out.”

Berwick will honour Carter’s contribution to her community, along with the work of other local volunteers, at a reception April 30.

Sub-headline: Carter credits extended family, friends in community for support

PIC: carterflo.jpg

Berwick’s volunteer of the year Florence Carter “just does her work in her quiet little way.”

N.Kelly

By Nancy Kelly

nkelly@berwickregister.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

For her considerable work “behind the scenes” at Berwick’s Christ Church Anglican, Florence Carter is Berwick’s Volunteer of the Year for 2008.

Carter has been attending Christ Church since 1946, when she settled with her husband, Gordon, on a farm a short distance north-west of Berwick. In the early 1950s and ‘60s, she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and, for at least 20 years, has been a member of the Altar Guild, which makes preparations for communion. Bev Richardson, who nominated Carter for the award, says “indeed, sometimes Florence was the Altar Guild.”

Carter has also belonged to the Anglican Church Women (ACW) organization for over 50 years, for which she served as treasurer for over 40 years. She joins other ACW members in catering events and bakes, cooks for and hosts church luncheons which have been a fixture in the community for about 40 years.

Carter, who admitted to being surprised by the nomination, said she is lucky “for being part of such a good church family.” She has seen many faces come and go in the parish since she joined in 1946, but has built many “wonderful friendships” in those years.

Raised on an Aylesford-area mixed farm with eight siblings, Carter said church didn’t play as big a role in her younger years.

“Our family didn’t have a vehicle so we didn’t venture too far, and our day-to-day life was more about making ends meet on the farm.”

Despite sharing the responsibilities that came with raising four of her own children and running the family farm, Carter always made time to give back to her community.

“While she pulled turnips and helped with the haying, she never failed to continue with her volunteer duties at the church,” detailed her nomination papers.

Carter said her association with the church and other organizations, including the Berwick Food Bank, Aylesford District Red Cross and Progressive Conservative Women’s Association; has given plenty back to her as well. Recently widowed, she is thankful for the support of her church family and credits her continuing volunteer work for helping her adjust to life following the passing of her husband.

“Volunteering and the friends I have made volunteering have really helped me through this difficult time.”

Carter has no immediate plans to halt her volunteer work, where she “just does her work in her quiet little way.

“As long as I am able, I hope to keep helping out.”

Berwick will honour Carter’s contribution to her community, along with the work of other local volunteers, at a reception April 30.