Three Chesterfield residents have been inducted into the county’s Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame during the 43rd annual ceremony held on June 5 at the Career and Technical Center on Hull Street Road. The new inductees, Robin Hoerber, Peter Plourd, and Wonnease Rhone, join a group of 95 others previously honored for their volunteer service.
The 2025 class was selected from among 16 nominees who collectively contributed over 108,000 hours of volunteer work since turning 60. Dr. James Worsley, deputy county administrator for human services, remarked during the event: “Today we gather to honor a group of individuals who remind us that purpose doesn’t retire – it only deepens with time.”
The Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame was founded in 1982 by Dorothy Charles along with the Chesterfield Council on Aging and the Board of Supervisors to acknowledge seniors offering exceptional volunteer service. It is currently managed by the county’s Office of Aging and Disability Resources.
Andrea Price from the VCU Department of Gerontology and Virginia Center on Aging served as this year’s keynote speaker. She shared personal stories highlighting how volunteers impacted her life and stated: “The impacts of your volunteerism may show up years later in the confidence of a child…in the steady hands of someone who once needed your hands.”
Robin Hoerber has continued her efforts post-retirement by assisting blind citizens through sharing experiences and resources. Her involvement includes volunteering at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church for three decades and participating actively in organizations like the Lions Club.
Peter Plourd’s contributions include his active membership in veteran organizations such as Military Officers of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He received recognition for serving over 500 hours with the Medical Reserve Corps during COVID-19.
Wonnease Rhone founded Five Loaves, a mobile food pantry initiative during the pandemic, which collaborates with local entities to combat hunger issues within vulnerable communities.
Clover Hill District Supervisor Jessica Schneider expressed gratitude towards these volunteers: “Your contributions have created a ripple effect…and have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many people.”
The inductees will be further recognized with resolutions from the Board of Supervisors at its meeting scheduled for June 25.
