RSVP Volunteers Honored by County

COURT HOUSE — The county’s senior volunteers were honored today for their service, as they celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
The annual “thank you breakfast” for volunteers was held at the Grand Hotel in Cape May, hosted by the freeholders and Department of Aging.
Freeholder Gerald Thornton and the board presented awards to the oldest volunteers, the RSVP volunteers who contributed the most hours and the volunteer award for years of service, according to a release.
Herbert Kammer of Wildwood received the award for RSVP Oldest Male Volunteer.
Born in Philadelphia on Aug. 7, 1919, Kammer is a World War II veteran having served in Navy and spent three years in the South Pacific as a Seabee operator. He is a 50-year member of the Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department.
Kammer volunteers at the Glenwood Avenue Breakfast Program from September through June. He delivers a nutritional breakfast to 241 students in grades K through four. Additionally, Kammer assists participants in the S.W.I.M (Specialized Water Interest Movement for Muscular Adults) program, from October through May.
Herbert and Jean, his wife of 59 years, retired from Kammer’s Bakery in Wildwood where they owned and operated the landmark business over 30 years. The Kammers have two children and six grandchildren.
Jennie Troxel of North Cape May, born in Lafayette, Pa. on March 13, 1915, received the award for RSVP Oldest Female Volunteer.
Troxel relocated to Cape May County in 1940. Troxel, retired from the U.S. Coast Guard galley, drove a Mac truck during World War II and was an auto mechanic for the county airport.
Troxel is a dedicated volunteer at Cape Regional Medical Center. Troxel’s volunteer duties include checking visitors in and out of the hospital, supplying information, answering phones, some clerical support and assisting in the Cheery Corner Gift Shop.
The RSVP Award for Years of Service, Male went to Richard Baker with 20 years of service.
Baker was born in Philadelphia, and relocated to Wildwood in 1984. Baker is a World War II veteran who served in the United States Army, landed on D-Day, was wounded twice and has received two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars.
Baker volunteers at the Glenwood Avenue Breakfast Program from September through June. He delivers a nutritional breakfast at Glenwood Avenue School to 241 students in grades K through four.
Baker also assists participants in the S.W.I.M (Specialized Water Interest Movement for Muscular Adults) program, from October through May.
Richard has been married to Lillian, for 59 years. They have four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The RSVP award for Years of Service, Female went to Lillian Baker also with 20 years of service.
Baker worked for the University of Pennsylvania in the Research Department until her first child was born. She has been married to Richard Baker for 59 years. They have four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She volunteers at the Glenwood Avenue Breakfast Program from September through June with her husband and also assists participants in the S.W.I.M program from October through May.
That entails assisting members in dressing rooms, in and out of the pool, from their car to the building and preparing and serving meals.
Michael March with 960 hours received the RSVP Award for Most Hours Volunteered, Male.
March was born in Philadelphia, and relocated to Somers Point in 2000 when he retired from his business, March, Inc,, which he owned for over 30 years. March is a widower with one daughter and two grandchildren.
March volunteers at the Ocean City Nutrition Site Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until noon and assists in carrying pans, sets up for noon meals, serves the participants and helps clean up.
Lois De So with 1,510 Hours received the RSVP Award for Most Hours Volunteered, Female.
De So was born in Philadelphia, and relocated to Cape May County in 1997. She has been married to her husband, Kenneth, for 56 years and they have three children and six grandchildren.
De So volunteers at Cape Regional Medical Center where she is the volunteer supervisor of the hospital gift shop. She is there every day.
“Each year I am amazed to see the number of seniors who volunteer and help to make Cape May County a better place. It is important that we take the time to acknowledge and thank them for their contributions to our community,” Thornton said.