Washington Evening Journal
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Fairfield couple receives Governor’s Volunteer Awards
Andy Hallman
Aug. 11, 2021 10:38 am
FAIRFIELD — Fairfield residents Joseph and Christine Boxerman were honored with a Governor’s Volunteer Award this summer for their work with various nonprofits in the area.
The Boxermans are active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Jefferson County, which sends volunteers to help with other organizations’ projects, such as the construction of Habitat for Humanity’s homes.
“We feel that in being honored, we are actually accepting this award on behalf of all volunteers in Jefferson County,” the Boxermans said. “There are so many people who do good and continuous volunteer work in Fairfield, and are happy to do it, just for the joy of service.”
Joseph and Christine said they are just two of the many, many volunteers in town who donate their time and energy to making Fairfield a better place to live. They spoke about the volunteers who help at The Lord’s Cupboard food pantry, who serve a vital role at the public library and libraries at Maharishi School and Maharishi International University. They noted how a volunteer board orchestrated the design and construction of the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, and more recently how volunteers sewed and distributed masks in response to the pandemic.
Christine has undertaken a project of her own, holding a weekly Zoom session teaching American Sign Language to those who are hard of hearing. She has spent time volunteering at the Maharishi School library.
“As volunteers, we feel more energy when we join in and participate,” they said. “It is a good feeling to be able to give, and to be part of a team, in service to our larger community.”
The Boxermans were not the only members of RSVP to receive Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Tom Kelly received one for his work as a pen pal with Pence Elementary School students and as an usher at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. Tom Gordon received an award for his 25-plus volunteer hours each month teaching carpentry and electronics at Maharishi School. Fairfield resident Mary Ling also received an award.
Fairfield residents Joseph and Christine Boxerman received Governor’s Volunteer Awards this year for their work through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Jefferson County. (Andy Hallman/The Union)
Joseph Boxerman attaches a door to a door frame at a Greater Fairfield Area Habitat for Humanity home, one of the organizations he volunteers with. (Photo submitted)
One of Christine Boxerman’s volunteer interests is helping at the Maharishi School library, something she did while working at the Fairfield Public Library. (Andy Hallman/The Union)