Convention bureau receptionist receives Lt. Governor's Senior Service award

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder believes there are thousands of Missourians whose lives are touched by the unselfish work and caring hands of volunteering seniors. That is why he created the Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service award two years ago. As Missouri's official elderly advocate, his goal is to make the public aware of the time and labor seniors give to the community.

"Holy Toledo, this is great," was Anita Meinz's response to the award she received Friday for her contributions to volunteer work at the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Glenn House and many other community organizations.

Upon acceptance of the award presented by Kinder, she remarked, "Are you sure I deserve this?"

After thanking him and all those attending she said she looked forward to seeing Kinder again at the May luncheon in Jefferson City, where she and nine other recipients will gather and be recognized for their contributions.

CVB executive director Chuck Martin said there are 40 winners annually, with quarterly recognition given to 10 seniors from different regions of the state. "Anita received the 2006 Ambassador Award from the Missouri Governor's Conference on Tourism in September. She is a very involved lady and in the truest sense of the word she is community ambassador," he said. The award is proudly displayed at the front of her desk.

It was just two years ago Meinz received the Girl Scouts of Otahki Council 2005 Women's Impact Award for being a community role model to girls.

Meinz has volunteered with the CVB since 1985, and in 1998, due to her stellar service, she began receiving a part-time salary of 20 hours per week. But there are a lot of hours she's not paid. Meinz said she ordinarily works 40 hours per week, and she's been doing it for so long that it's hard to remember when she started.

"I'm not originally from here, but I claim Cape Girardeau as my own. I do what I do out of love," Meinz said.

More than 50 were in attendance for the award presention by Kinder. Meinz was nominated by state Rep. Nathan Cooper, who said, "Anita embodies the community spirit."

Nominees must be at least 60 years old and volunteer a minimum of 40 hours over the last year in their community. To nominate a deserving senior, fill out a brief form available from your local Senior Center, Area Agency on Aging office, or at www.ltgov.mo.gov. At least one letter of recommendation must accompany nominating forms.

cpagano@semissourian.com

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