Volunteers are the backbone and lifeblood of most charitable organizations and that’s especially true in the case of Oxford-Orion FISH, which has been feeding the area’s needy since the 1970s.
That’s why it’s important to recognize those who give so much of themselves to others and ask for nothing in return.
Last week, FISH honored four such selfless individuals with ‘Advocate of the Needy? awards for the vital roles they’ve played in keeping stomachs full of food and hearts full of hope.
Recipients included Oxford resident Dianne Offer, Lake Orion residents John and Nadine Lychuk, and Kathy Aubin, of Addison Township.
Offer began working for FISH as an office volunteer, but her skills and dedication quickly led to her becoming the office manager. Using her expertise as an interior designer, she transformed the FISH office into an efficient, visually appealing and comfortable workplace for the volunteers.
‘It’s an honor to be recognized by this organization because there are so many people that are worthy of this award and I’m the least of them,? Offer said. ‘There’s lot of people that deserve an award from this organization, lots of people that help.?
When asked why she chose to donate her time and effort to FISH, Offer replied, ‘It’s probably the best organization for giving back to our community because everything goes directly to our community and the people who need help.?
John Lychuk devoted approximately 20 years of his life to FISH as a ‘jack of all trades,? working in the pantry, serving on the group’s board of directors and coordinating rides for folks who needed transportation for medical appointments and such. He’s also been a top recruiter for FISH, finding many new volunteers to fill in wherever they were needed.
‘It’s nice to be recognized for my 20 years,? he said. ‘It really feels special to be honored.
‘The amount of people that (FISH) helps is amazing. There’s so many needy people in the world and a lot of them are here. It’s a privilege to be able to help these people. I loved seeing their faces when they got the food they need. It’s been rewarding for me.?
John is hopeful that a new generation of volunteers will step up to keep FISH going.
‘Let some younger people come in and do the job,? he said.
Also honored was John’s wife and fellow FISH volunteer Nadine Lychuk. For approximately 17 years, she served as a phone volunteer, pantry worker and speaker on behalf of FISH. She and John made for a ‘devoted team.?
‘After my first husband died, I wanted to feel needed,? Nadine explained. ‘I worked for hospice for a little while, then started with FISH. Actually, it was John that got me involved. It’s just a good feeling to know you’re helping others and it also keeps you busy.?
‘FISH is such a big part of our community,? she continued. ‘It’s something that really helps out a lot. Once a week, you’re part of helping people get food. I hope the volunteers keep coming and we keep it up.?
Aubin spent 12 years with FISH as a pantry worker. She was the founder and coordinator of the group’s furniture ministry until that operation was turned over to Love INC. She also served as co-president of the group at one time.
Of receiving this award, Aubin said, ‘It’s lovely that my co-workers have honored my efforts, but honestly, we’re all just doing what we’re supposed to be doing.?
It was her daughter Taylor, who’s now 20 years old, that got Aubin involved in FISH. ‘I just kind of fell into it because it was something that we we’re doing through her homeschooling and we just continued on throughout the years,? she said.
Aubin likes the fact that FISH is operated entirely by volunteers who receive no pay or benefits.
‘It draws the kind of people that aren’t looking for advancement ? nobody’s looking to be head chief,? she said. ‘There’s no benefit other than the fact that they’re serving people. I just think that’s a wonderful way to serve your community.?

As it does every year, Oxford/Orion FISH honored those special individuals and groups who help the local charity in an efforts to aid needy people and families.
They gathered at the Lake Orion United Methodist Church on E. Flint St. for a luncheon to recognize all those volunteers who dedicate their time to feeding the needy and providing them with a variety of other essential goods and services.
Here are this year’s honorees:
The ROMEOs ? For over two years, 12-15 good-looking guys descend upon the Pantry each time we have a delivery from Gleaners. These senior men call themselves ‘The ROMEOs,? which stands for Retired Orion Men Eating Out. They have breakfast together on Thursdays, and when needed, head up to FISH for two hours of backbreaking work, unloading up to 7,000 pounds of food that has been delivered. These men unload, stock, and sort the food with humor and friendship. They are a joy to have as volunteers.
Bill Quinn ? He keeps the ramp, front, and back of the building shoveled of snow.
He keeps an eye out when something doesn’t look right and doesn’t hesitate to come over to the pantry to check and be sure all the gals are safe. He even pulled the former pantry coordinator’s car off a snow mound when she got stuck in the parking lot.
When the pantry lost power before we had a generator donated, it was Bill Quinn who helped keep things running and safe. He is a true friend of FISH, a wonderful neighbor, and certainly an Advocate of the Needy.
Val Cass ? Seven years ago a newly retired Oxford teacher was looking for something to do when a friend suggested she try volunteering at FISH. She was immediately hooked and has increased her involvement each year. At first she was an office volunteer and then decided to become pantry coordinator. If you knew Val, it didn’t take her long to try to get you involved in FISH, too. Pantry Coordinator (now retired), Client Reviewer, Board Member, and again an Office Volunteer.
Crossroads for Youth Boys Center ? For six years, young men from Crossroads have been coming to FISH on the second and fourth Saturday throughout the year to volunteer. They are eager to help in any capacity requested. They are our chief sources of muscle to move the countless numbers of crates each time from downstairs to up. They rotate the stock and see to it that all shelves are filled. Strangely enough, these boys have to earn the right to come to FISH on Saturdays to spend their morning of rest working hard and being Advocates of the Needy.
Taylor Aubin grew up working in the pantry with her mom. With her partner, Renee, she grew more confident and independent. Now she has a job, is graduating from Oxford High School, and moving on to a new phase in her life. FISH has enjoyed seeing this bubbly child grow into a fine woman.
Renee Carroll joined the FISH team as a home-schooled preteen. With Taylor, she packed boxes of food on Mondays for distribution. She quickly learned the new, self-service method in our Thomas building. Renee treated each client with respect. She too is moving on to a new phase in college. FISH is proud of the independent woman Renee has become. She is indeed an Advocate of the Needy.
John Cass ? As a journalism and English teacher, John loved his two years of writing the FISHline. But then FISH needed a president to help move the organization forward in its new building. A calm, thinking man, with a wonderful sense of humor, John was a good fit. As he weakened from leukemia, the organization grew. Everyone wanted to help see his dream of making our Oxford/Orion FISH a model for other non-profits. We’ve come a long way in ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors? with John at the helm. He would be so proud that you have named him an Advocate of the Needy.

Members of Oxford/Orion FISH last week were honored for lending their time, talents and generous spirits to the local charity.
Following the group’s annual meeting and a catered luncheon at Thomas United Methodist Church, 11 compassionate and hard-working individuals were presented the 2009 ‘Advocate of the Needy? awards.
‘The tribute is given yearly to those who have contributed in their own way by living the motto of FISH ? Neighbors helping neighbors,? according to FISH President John Cass.
Prior to the meeting and awards ceremony, the handicapped ramp located at FISH’s office and pantry in Thomas was dedicated to its architect/builder, Terry Miller, and to the late Ted Boberg, one of FISH’s early founders and an inspiration to all.
Oxford/Orion FISH is a nonprofit organization consisting of almost 70 volunteers who run a local pantry that feeds the needy of Oxford, Orion and Addison.
In May, the pantry distributed more than 14,000 pounds of free food to 174 households containing 454 individuals.
This year’s ‘Advocate of the Needy? recipients included:
Mary Beth Buckbee has always been a steady promoter of Oxford/Orion FISH. At first she volunteered in the office and then added AngelFISH duties. She carefully and accurately compiled lists of all children eligible for Christmas gifts and saw to it that each child’s name and wish list could be quickly and accurately retrieved. She is anexceptional organizer whom we shall miss.
Todd Sullivan has been a loyal supporter of Oxford/Orion FISH from his earliest days of helping his mother stack groceries. He has developed into a fine young gentleman working for FISH by helping the clients select and load food into their cars. We are very proud of this young man who has been accepted into West Point and will begin studies in late summer.
Steve and Jean Mitchell are generous supporters of FISH who represent the many people who give of their own well being to help those less fortunate. For many years Steve has also shared his wife Jean with us as our Office Manager and Computer Programmer. They exemplify our motto in the greatest way with ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors.?
Renee Wingeier deserves our thanks for her help over her three years working in the pantry and helping our needy on Fridays. She has performed many tasks, especially helping to conduct a Food Class for those in need of help. Renee is leaving us for other pastures upon her retirement with the Oxford Schools. We wish her good luck in her golden years. God Bless!
Robert Marshall has been a consistent and generous patron of FISH for many years. We salute him with the ‘Advocate of the Needy? award for his many years of participation in the growth of our organization. By his generosity we are able to live our motto, ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors.? Robert has been a true neighbor. Thank you from FISH.
Mary Boberg is one of the near founders of FISH. Over the years she has held many offices in our organization always working with the energy and knowledge of what was best for FISH. Her expertise and help at Board Meetings as a director and mentor has meant much to the younger and older members of the group. Mary has spent 35 years as a member of FISH. We thank her from our hearts and the hearts of the thousands of people she has helped.
Laura Allen distinguished herself as Secretary of FISH. Her dedication to her position and the many responsibilities it entailed were admired by many and were worthy of emulation by all. The zeal and energy she displayed was also a source of admiration to her fellow Board Directors and peers. Laura researched many topics and kept the board informed of the many ramifications and consequences of its actions. For this and for other deeds she will not be forgotten and will be always counted as an ‘Advocate of the Needy.?
Bev. Gerring will always be remembered by all as an ‘Advocate of the Needy? and very special person. Her willingness to help others and to work with members of the board on many projects was admired by all. Bev. was never deterred by a difficult task or decision to be made and volunteered to assist others in these responsibilities. For this and other duties as one of our directors we thank her and wish her good luck in her new residence ‘down south.?
Harriet DeLisle spent many hours working for FISH as its Treasurer. She faithfully took care of the accounts and made certain that we were constantly aware when our cash reserves were in danger. She also helped the board in making its decisions financially feasible and responsible. We will always remember Harriet as one of the most dedicated of the ‘Advocates of the Needy? and our friend.
Donna Bossardet is a project in progress. Seeing a need, she took the reins of responsibility and on her own gathered the empty computer ink cartridges and turned them into Office Max to exchange them for paper and supplies for the FISH office. Donna is an example of the many good people who make FISH a viable and volunteer organization. She is an excellent example of an ‘Advocate of the Needy.?

They sort the food. They answer the phones. They make donations. They give rides to those in need. They build things.
‘Without you, we could not be,? said John Cass, president of Oxford/Orion FISH.
Last week, FISH recognized its outstanding volunteers with its Advocates of the Needy awards during a special luncheon at Kalloway’s Restaurant and Pub.
‘We want to honor those people who have helped us during the course of the year,? Cass said. Here are this year’s recipients:
Judy Gage
Judy worked tirelessly for the FISH office in the capacity of Organizer of Procedures and Policies. Her foresight and vision of the workings of a well-run office are still used today even though she had to retire because of personal medical problems over a year ago. Her cheerful smile and great disposition are always present to remind us that the spirit of her energy and drive will always be a part of the FISH family. Her legacy of a smoothly running office is with us still.
Kevin Scott
Every organization, how big or small, needs a Kevin Scott, a person you can rely on in times of great stress and needs. A call to Kevin before a big shipment comes into the pantry from Gleaners will always produce a helping hand, a person knowledgeable about our procedures, and a determination to keep working until the job is finished. Kevin is always there to help with a difficult job. FISH could not exist without workers such as Kevin Scott.
Jan Overley
Gleaners, our supplier of food for the pantry, rarely offers toiletries. To fill the void, we are very grateful and happy to welcome our angel, Jan Overley, who provides us with these staples for our pantry. Each month she hawks the sales in the newspapers and purchases cases of items for FISH – hand soap, detergents, bars of soap, and soap for the dishes, even blankets for everyone at Christmas. Jan is indeed one of the steadiest and most valuable of our FISH donors.
Bob Butler
If ever there was a man called Butler, who lived by his deeds and exploits as a gentleman, such a man would be our own Grandpa Bob Butler.. Bob is always there to volunteer to do almost anything there is to do. If someone needs a ride to the pharmacist, Bob will do it. If we need help during the food drives, Bob will be the first to put the ramp together. Weekly, Bob picks up and delivers food from his church, Lake Orion United Methodist. Bob always volunteers for those messy jobs no one else will do …he is a Super Volunteer.
Rod Nackerman
If our FISH logo were to have hands drawn on it, they would be the hands of Rod Nackerman. He is the epitome of someone you can always count on to be there to do the job. You can find him working in a corner of the storage room taking nails out of boards or quietly sorting the canned foods. He offers to drive the clients at Heritage Place to places of business or deliver their Easter baskets full of ham and yams. Rod is our silent, but super worker and volunteer.
Mary Martin
While Mary works diligently at her job at St. Joseph Church, Lake Orion, she does it in such an extraordinary way to deserve this honor for those who work for the needy of our area. Many times Mary has arranged various worker details to help FISH. Thanks to Mary and her workers, we received a new coat of paint for our building, plus many exterior repairs. Whether it is a food drive, fundraiser, or helping with Ange1FISH, Mary is always there to help.
King of Kings Lutheran Church
God only knows why King of Kings Lutheran Church adopted Oxford/Orion FISH as their community service project. For whatever the reason, we are grateful for all their help. It started modestly with a share of the profits earned during the Lake Orion Flower Day Sales. The church has now become a major source of donations for meat for our pantry, a modern freezer for our food, or huge donations for installation of windows and insulation. For all of this we are indeed thankful.
Colleen Schultz
During her years on the Board of Directors, Colleen has been a source of emulation and admiration to us all. Her clear thinking on important issues made her a valuable asset for the group. Colleen was always willing to help out when needed, such as providing soup and salad for the Annual General Meeting and for the AngelFISH volunteers as they worked into the night. Colleen has volunteered to help our treasurer prepare a budget for FISH -a job which has her own stamp of expertise.
Cinda Delacruz ? Tireless Office
Volunteer and Director
One of the many things which stand out about Cinda is her willingness to help others when they are in need. Many times she was willing to spend extra days working in the office. When the schedule of Office Volunteers was being prepared, Cinda was the first to agree to take extra hours if we needed her. We are sorry to lose Cinda as a director, but hope she will continue working for the good of all and the FISH organization.
Susan Carter
It is unusual for FISH to honor one of its own until they have done something significant, are ready to retire, or perform a great service to our organization. It is, however, with the unanimous recommendation of the Board of Directors that Susan Carter be given the Advocate of the Needy Award. Her expertise in running the pantry and office in the absence of the coordinators is legendary. She not only volunteers her help, but will take it upon herself to make sure the office runs smoothly.