The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has presented the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to three recipients from Halifax County. 

Award recipients are Jodie Dowhan, nominated by C.A.R.E./John 3:16 Center; Bill Mueller, nominated by the city of Roanoke Rapids; and Lou Smith, nominated by the Halifax County Council on Aging. Smith was not present due to family obligations. Rose Lewis, aging program coordinator, and Gail Garner, volunteer supervisor and nutrition Coordinator, who nominated her, accepted the award on her behalf.

Chairman Vernon J. Bryant of the Halifax County Commissioners and County Manager Tony N. Brown presented the awards at a small ceremony Tuesday.

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Chairman Bryant read the following excerpts from the individual nomination statements, as he presented framed certificates and Brown presented both the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award pin and the county’s volunteer pin to each recipient:

 Dowhan

“Mrs. Dowhan has been a volunteer at the John 3:16 Center for 61/2 years. She has served as one of our most dedicated volunteers with our afterschool program in assisting the children with homework, serving snacks, facilitating fun activities and providing emotional support to the children and their parents. 

“Jodie is a model of living out her faith with compassion to others. In addition to the above volunteer service Jodie Dowhan has led our volunteer board of directors as chair with excellence throughout the last four years. Jodie does all of this with a spirit of learning, collaboration, and community that is inspiring. She is an amazing representative and volunteer for our organization.”

Mueller

“Since retirement Bill Mueller has devoted his time to building the community in Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County in several ways by exerting leadership, sharing his expertise, and seeking opportunities to help others. 

“His volunteer service may be categorized in four areas: Senior citizens, public library, Roanoke Rapids Main Street Program and other services. Bill has served and freely given his talents to the betterment of his community through these organizations. His wide range of involvement in the community has made a significant impact improving the quality of life for many. He makes a positive and sustainable difference in every area he serves.”

Smith

“Lou is helpful. She volunteers two to three times a week to deliver meals. She has been exceptional with assisting with getting meals out to the older adults during the pandemic, especially. Lou has been a home delivered meals volunteer for over six years. 

“Lou stepped up to train new volunteers to show them the routes around the cCity of Roanoke Rapids. That speaks volumes of Lou. She informs volunteers of the rules to make sure volunteers understand the importance of adhering to the rules for the safety of the volunteers and the older adults.”

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors people who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by making a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. The award was created in the office of the governor in 1979.