SALISBURY — For more than 40 years, the Civitan Club of Salisbury has presented its Good Samaritan Award to a Rowan County resident who exemplified the characteristics of the Biblical Good Samaritan. This year’s winner is Lois Simone, age 92, a long-time resident of Rowan County and active community volunteer.
Beginning in 1982, when she worked as the daily coordinator for the First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen until her retirement from her YMCA volunteer work in 2012, Simone has put others ahead of herself. For over 25 years, she worked with handicapped children at the YMCA and assisted with Special Olympics. She also mentored cancer patients, crafted cuddle quilts for the Women’s Shelter, offered room and board in her home to those in transition, and assisted at Rowan Helping Ministries.
In his nomination letter, Simone’s former pastor, the Rev. Bob Lewis, who attended Thursday’s award ceremony, described her as a “big hearted” individual.
Son-in-law Dr. Richard Miller and grandson Wayne Miller escorted Simone to the Country Club of Salisbury for her award.
Good Samaritans from previous years were invited to attend the 2013 ceremony. In attendance were Juanita Lagg and her husband, Elmer, Lee Wagoner with her guest Reenie Antonic, Elizabeth Morgan and guest, Dr. Telka Hall, Joy Gerock, and guest, Gail Wilson and Jim Duncan and his wife, Linda.
Jay Laurens, coordinator of outreach programs at the Lily Center for Vocation and Values, spoke about the exceptional work performed by Catawba College students. Student volunteers have built a Habitat House, assisted with the cleanup after the Tuscaloosa, Ala., tornado and arranged parties for residents at Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks.
The Civitan Club of Salisbury works to raise funds for challenged children, scholarships and other needs in the Salisbury community. For more information about the club, contact President Jennings Nelson at 704-637-6011.