Volunteers attending the 2020 signing ceremony to create South Coastal Village were, from left, the steering committee: Diane Strobel, Liz Bolton, Ron Kershner, Lois Pastore, and Christine Powers; I was a member. Back row from left: Village volunteer staff members Carol Zorek, Jackie Sullivan, and Bennett Connelly.
National Volunteer Week 2024 will be held from April 21 to 28, and South Coast Village Volunteers (SCVV) has much to celebrate. The nonprofit organization, which provides services that allow seniors to remain in their homes and communities, is in its fourth year of existence. SCVV currently has 154 volunteers and his 85 members in a service area consisting of Bethany Beach, Millville, Ocean View, South Bethany and adjacent areas.
kathy green
In recognition of exemplary volunteerism, Kathy Green, a member of the SCVV Steering Committee since its inception, received the 2024 Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteerism. The award was presented at a dinner reception in Dover on April 4, and a delegation from SCVV was also in attendance to show their pride in Ocean View resident Green.
“Kathy received this award based on her volunteer work with South Coastal Village, countless hours volunteering with the South Coastal Library and Beach and Bay Cottage Tours for Justin's Beach House. “We did,” they said.
Mr. Greene praised the “hundreds of volunteers who selflessly give so much of their time to make these wonderful organizations successful,” adding, “Their generosity extends to our ability to serve.” “This is essential,” he said, thanking the donors.
As of January 2024, there has been a change in SCVV leadership, with Christine Powers taking over as Chair of the South Shore Village Volunteer Steering Committee. Powers, one of the group's founders and who has served as SCVV vice chair since its inception, was recently honored at a reception at Wilmington's Grand Opera House. She received the AARP Delaware Andrus Award for her volunteer work that furthers AARP's mission.
Claudia Koontz Sain has been appointed Vice-President of SCVV, effective March 31st. Mr. Thain has been active as a strategic partner of SCVV and at this time he joined the Steering Committee. She developed the designs for all the cards, stationery, posters and advertisements for her SCVV newsletter and group and is now taking on more leadership responsibilities.
South Coastal Village Volunteer President Ron Kirchner welcomes guests to dinner on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
The change in the SCVV Steering Committee comes after Ron Kerchner, who started as vice chair in 2024, stepped down as vice chair on March 31st. Mr. Kerchner was one of the founders of SCVV and served as the organization's chairman for his first three years. The company has been in business for many years, having played a leadership role in its formative stages. He will remain on the steering committee as chair of the finance subcommittee.
Mr. Kirchner is a longtime community volunteer and in the summer of 2023 received Sea Colony's Ron Wickwire Community Service Award for his “unparalleled leadership.”
“The SCVV Steering Committee is deeply grateful to Ron for leading the organization since our first meeting in late 2019. We are proud of the dedication of our organization's leadership.”
While observing National Volunteer Week, Mr. Powers said: “The reason we are able to contribute so much to our communities is because of the quality and dedication of all the volunteers who support and support SCVV members. They give of their time and talents to help others. Thank you to all the volunteers.”
“This organization wants everyone who works to improve the quality of life in our community to feel how appreciated they are, especially during National Volunteer Week.”
For more information about South Coastal Village Volunteers and the services they provide, visit southcoastalvillagevolunteers.org, call (302) 500-1281, visit the office at 32 West Avenue in Ocean View, or P.O. Box 1453. , Bethany Beach, DE. 19930. South Coastal Village Volunteers is affiliated with and operates as a 501(c)(3) with Village Volunteers of Lewes.
