A senior center volunteer, Carole Taulbee, has received the first RSVP Margie Weaver Volunteer of the Year Award.

She received the award during a volunteer appreciation luncheon at the center. Thirteen others also were recognized for their work at the center.

We are here to honor you today, said Senior Center Director Dawn Pruett. We have a small staff, and we could never get done what we do without your help.

The center has approximately 30 volunteers.

Taulbee received a black and gold plaque with her named etched into its surface. Others received a framable certificate.

Wow, what would we have done without Carole? said Michelle Crane, food service coordinator at the center. She was sent from God, a true servant. She sneaks in those behind-the-scenes-outings with our seniors. She teaches Silver Sneakers, and she even became certified so she could educate our seniors on the importance of movement.

Dawson County Commission Chair Mike Berg said volunteers are critical to the centers success.

Thank you for what you do for our seniors, he told the volunteers. The work you do is so important. It makes a difference in their lives and yours.

Formerly called the Dawson County Senior Center, the center was renamed in July to honor Margie Weaver, who served as its director 29 years.

Weaver diedMarch 18, but she left behind a legacy of inspiration. She once said that going to the senior center gave people pleasure because they were doing something.

The activities we have show you you can still have a purpose in life, she said to a reporter after a Bocce court was installed for the seniors. You can still learn something.

Weaver accepted her position as director in 1984 after working as a sewing machine operator. She was also instrumental in helping the center receive a much-needed elevator and washer and dryer. Fundraising efforts through the center took in more than $42,000, which paid for the elevator.

Most of the services we have for our senior population, we have thanks to Margie, said State Rep. Kevin Tanner, who served as county manager before being elected to the House.

Presenting the RSVP Margie Weaver Volunteer of the Year Award will become an annual event. A second plaque has more than a dozen blank name plates to honor future volunteers. Carol Taulbees is the first.