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News-Sun photo by CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY Kenilworth Rehabilition Center chaplain Fred Jeans (left) welcomes Congressman (R) Tom Rooney to a service honoring volunteers.

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published: Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Kenilworth Care honors volunteers

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- Kenilworth Care and Rehabilitation Center held its second annual Presidential Volunteer Service Award ceremony Monday afternoon.

Sebring Mayor George Hensley, Sheriff Susan Benton and Congressman Tom Rooney were present to acknowledge the recipients and give them certificates and lapel buttons.

The Kenilworth's administrator, Michael Rivera, explained what presidential volunteer service awards are.

A special President's council was created in 2003, to recognize volunteers, he said, adding that volunteers are defined as people who "give the gift of time and, on purpose or not, make an impact on others."

Three resident volunteers were honored: Magda Marik with a Platinum award; William Adams with a Gold award and Barbara Stapleford with a silver award.

Twenty individuals were recognized for the hours they spend writing to residents. Known as Pen Pals, about 10 were at the event.

Fourteen other individuals were celebrated for their work with residents -- providing inspirational devotions; Spanish language Bible classes; gospel sing along; a Judaism class and a praise team.

The event also honored 10 Kenilworth staff members who are volunteers themselves.

For adults, the Bronze level represents 100 to 249 hours of service within a 12 month period; Silver between 250 and 499 hours; Gold more than 500 hours. The Platinum award is not listed on the official web site, presidentialseerviceawards.gov.

There is also a Lifetime Award that honors 4,000 hours or more.

Hensley spoke to the volunteers, "Your value is beyond understanding," he said.

"You are the bedrock of the community, the backbone of the nation.

"You're the reason this country is so great."