Local Senior Wins Award

St. Clair resident Vera Buscher has been named one of 34 recipients of the Governor’s Senior Service Award.

Buscher and the other honorees were recognized by Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder during a luncheon outside his office in the Capitol on Wednesday, May 9.

Kinder presented each with an official declaration and Senior Service Award pins. A press release from his office stated the  lieutenant governor created the award to promote and highlight service Missouri’s senior citizens provide their communities.

“As the official senior advocate for the state of Missouri, these awards give me an opportunity to publicize positive stories about seniors,” Kinder said. “We hear many stories about abuse, neglect and exploitation of our seniors, and those are problems I continue to address on behalf of our state’s elderly. But the Senior Service Award is a way I also can shine the spotlight on seniors who have uplifting and inspiration stories to tell.”

The lieutenant governor expanded the award this year and received a record number of nominations. Each of the 145 nominees received a letter of recognition from Kinder, and the 34 winners were named from around the state. Buscher won in the 26th District.

“Vera Buscher sets an example for all Missourians with her kindness and willingness to serve her community tirelessly,”  Kinder said. “Her selfless service is an inspiration to all who know her.”

Buscher was nominated by Mary Baldwin, administrator of the St. Clair Senior Center. Buscher is a volunteer there and works close to 40 hours a week.

Baldwin said Buscher takes fellow seniors to various appointments and assists them with other errands. In addition, she is in charge of Thursday bingo games and is the center’s “green thumb,” taking care of its plants and flowers.

“Vera is a wonderful friend to her peers,” Baldwin said in her nomination. “Vera never asks for anything in return for helping her fellow seniors. She is very dedicated to the center and her friends.”

Buscher was named the St. Clair Senior Center’s 2011 volunteer of the year.  She also was nominated for 2011 volunteer of the year through the St. Clair Area Chamber of Commerce.