By Melissa Wagoner
Jerri Halter couldn’t have been more surprised to find out she was named 2014 Volunteer of the Year by the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce.
“I didn’t believe it. I was surprised. Thoroughly shocked,” she said.
But when asked if it felt good to be recognized, she gave a resounding, “Yes.”
Halter, who was born in Saint Louis, has lived in Mount Angel most of her life.
She worked for 13 years as a bus driver, “blew a whistle” for volleyball games for 15 years and coached for nine, all while bringing up three children.
“I’ve been here since I was 11 and dad got a job at the oil company,” Halter said. “It’s a nice place to raise your kids and being born and raised Catholic, I fit right in. I’ve never lived in a large place.”
Halter, an avid bingo player and accomplished quilter, also volunteers on a weekly basis.
She transports seniors to medical appointments and errands.
She helps clean St. Mary Church and is a church lector and the finance assistant. She volunteers with the Mount Angel Senior Center.
“My mom has always had stuff for sale down there. I’ve always dabbled, always done something. I’m there Wednesday mornings two or three days a month,” Halter said.
Halter, who downplays her commitment to the community, is nonetheless beloved by those she helps. One award nomination described Halter by saying, “Everywhere I go in Mount Angel, there is Jerri volunteering, whether it be at the Mount Angel Senior Center or Saint Mary Church, Jerri can be counted on to help on any project.”
