AEOA news: Volunteers recognized for service

On March 22 Rural Rides (Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency) presented a training and luncheon at the Pizza Ranch in Hibbing for their volunteers. 33 volunteers and staff from Itasca, Lake, and St. Louis Counties attended this appreciation event.

Harlan Tardy, Executive Director of the AEOA, welcomed and thanked the volunteer drivers for the excellent service that they have provided. Glen Tate, safety coordinator from Arrowhead Transit, spoke about the dangers of distracted driving even if not using a cell phone and Bonnie Ebnet, manager of Arrowhead RSVP and Northland Volunteer Center of AEOA, talked about the irreplaceable value of volunteers. Marcia Mehle, program manager of Rural Rides, said the event “was a huge success and a wonderful way to recognize the huge contribution of our volunteers.”

Rural Rides is a program that helps individuals with work-related transportation issues. The advocates for the program coordinate solutions by using public transportation such as Arrowhead Transit and Hibbing Area Transit, taxi cab companies, and volunteer drivers. The program does have income guidelines.

Information about Rural Rides can be obtained by contacting Anna Palo (Virginia, Gilbert, Eveleth, Mtn. Iron) at 218-748-2274; Diane Gilmore (Itasca County) at 218-327-6757; Katy Keranen (Lake and Cook Counties) 800-223-1850, ext. 101 and Randy Hokkanen (Hibbing, Chisholm, Floodwood) at 218-2627359. Program Manager Marcia Mehle can also be contacted for more information at 218-262-7306. New clients and volunteer drivers are always welcome.

Tags: rural rides, aeoa