A volunteer like Evald Jorgensen is hard to find and even harder to replace, but sadly Oxford Township is going to have to give it a try.
Unfortunately, due to health issues, the 79-year-old Oxford resident is no longer able to continue his duties as the jack-of-all-trades who helped the township maintain the Oxford Veterans Memorial Civic Center and coordinated everything for the senior citizens who gather there to socialize.
‘This township will never realize what Evie did,? said Trustee Pat Fitchena. ‘It’s taking 12 people to do Evie’s job right now.?
‘He’s just an incredible man,? said Treasurer Joe Ferrari.
Doing most of the shopping, cooking, cleaning and organizing since 1990, the soft-spoken and humble Jorgensen put in countless hours ensuring the senior group’s meals, social activities, trips and other events went off without a hitch.
In 2005, he was named Michigan Senior Citizen of the Year for his tireless service to others.
Jorgensen also worked closely with township officials to ensure renovations, repairs and other maintenance issues were done in a timely manner so as to avoid future problems.
‘Evie was our eyes and ears,? Ferrari said. And he did it all ‘at absolutely no cost? to the township, saving the taxpayers ‘thousands and thousands of dollars.?
Without Jorgensen, who’s been unable to perform his usual duties since October, ‘things are really starting to slip,? the treasurer noted.
That’s why Ferrari last week proposed hiring a part-time senior center helper to work Wednesdays and Fridays as needed for $10 per hour, no benefits.
This person would be responsible for meal preparation, activities and keeping the township apprised of any issues pertaining to the Veterans Hall.
Ferrari said this person would probably work a maximum of 16 hours per week. He noted that Wednesdays and Fridays are ‘pretty much full days.?
However, some board members expressed concern about the financial side of hiring a new employee and wished to hold off for a little while so they can take a look at the budget.
‘I’m not for hiring anybody new at this point,? said Trustee Sue Bellairs.
But Ferrari argued that hiring someone to fill Jorgensen’s role is a necessity given the importance of keeping on top of building maintenance issues.
‘I’m afraid that if people aren’t available, it’s not going to get done,? the treasurer said. ‘I don’t want to lose a $2 million building because we don’t want to hire somebody to help us maintain it.?
Bellairs suggested the township seek out volunteers rather than hire a new employee.
‘There’s so many volunteer organizations out there,? she said. ‘So many people wanting to do community service. The schools are always wanting community service for their high schoolers.?
Supervisor Bill Dunn and Trustee Doleen Behnke agreed. ‘I think there are a lot of volunteers out there who probably would like to try that,? Behnke said.
‘Maybe we can get the National Honor Society to volunteer?? Dunn noted.
Ultimately, the township board voted 5-2 to advertise and hire a part-time senior center helper as a ‘fall back? in case a volunteer (or volunteers) does not come forward.
Anyone interested in volunteering at Oxford’s senior center should call Ferrari at (248) 628-9787.