MALONE — The Franklin County Retired Senior Volunteer Program's 412-plus active volunteers gave more than 51,000 hours of their time to a variety of sites and programs during its last fiscal year.

Of that number, 293 contributed more than 50 hours each from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009, with 170 attending a recent awards luncheon at Gallagher's in Malone hosted by Director Susan Schrader.

"RSVP's mission is to play a vital role in supporting the American culture of citizenship, service and responsibility," she told the crowd gathered there. "You have inspired us all by drawing on your skills, experience and concern for others."

One of the many programs served by the volunteers is Meals on Wheels. Volunteer husband and wife team Bruno and Janice Poirier of North Bangor deliver meals a minimum of four times a month, year round. Their route includes the very rural areas of Skerry, Reynoldston and Brandon, along with stops on the way.

"It doesn't matter what the weather is, we still go, unless the Senior Center is closed," Janice said. "I've been volunteering for 11 years and Bruno for 10. I also crochet lap robes. We do this because you never know when we will need it ourselves."

Nathalie Symonds of Malone volunteers at the courthouse and the hospital, and she crochets baby items, mittens and blankets.

"I enjoy getting out, and I meet a lot of people," she said.

Mary Finegan of Saranac Lake and Carol Williams of Lake Clear, who carpooled for the ride to Malone, just joined the RSVP effort in March, but they've kept busy, too.

"I've been taking chemo treatments," shared Finegan, "and while I was sitting there, I would knit. I've donated baskets full of mittens, nursery hats, booties and afghans. It keeps my hands busy, and (people) love getting them."

Among the local dignitaries attending was Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, who presented the New York State Assembly Citation Lifetime Award to Betty Crippen of Burke, who has logged 5,000 hours of volunteering in Franklin County over the past 10 years.

Schrader recognized Margaret Jones of Burke with the Linda Brady Memorial Award for more than 7,000 hours in 19 years. For 25 years of active consecutive service, Schrader recognized Helen Larson of Saranac Lake. Ruth Demarse of Malone has logged more than 3,000 hours of service in 10 years to the Malone Adult Center. Carol Smith of Malone dedicated 11 years to teaching the osteo program to seniors, enabling them to better manage pain and the effects of chronic diseases.

Saranac Lake Adult Center was applauded for its 55 active volunteers. Center Director Elizabeth Kosher accepted the award.

"Franklin County would not be the wonderful place it is to live without all of you," Schrader said, thanking everyone who pitches in.