Volunteer award renamed for Hodgson

At a special ceremony at the Apalachicola Class Boat and Car Show April 16, the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce renamed its annual Lifetime Volunteer Award in honor of the late Nancy Hodgson. The award is given out in conjunction with the Volunteer of the Year award, to honor those who have devoted years of service.

Hodgson, a longtime resident of St. George Island, was a beloved longtime volunteer, with the chamber and other causes. She passed away unexpectedly in February at the age of 58.

The renamed award was presented by Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Director John Solomon and Chamber Board President Donna Duncan to Hodgson’s sister, Jane Kirk, and her son, Simon Hodgson. 

In honor of National Volunteer Week April 17-23, Solomon secured passage of a proclamation, by both the county as well as both cities, marking the week.

“The entire community can inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world; and individuals and communities are at the center of social change, discovering their power to make a difference; (and) volunteers are vital to our future as a caring and productive community,” read the proclamation, noting that a volunteer saves on a statewide average $26.32 an hour for the organization it volunteers for.

“We urge others to recognize those who serve, by tirelessly sharing their time and talent with those in need,” read the proclamation.