Spectrum Generations recognized Mary Fernandes of Washington as its 2021 volunteer of the year at its annual meeting in Waterville March 23.

This award allows Spectrum Generations to recognize and celebrate a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their volunteer service, according to a news release from the agency.

A volunteer with Spectrum Generations’ Money Minders Program, Fernandes was assigned to help a consumer with assorting mail, balancing a checkbook and paying bills.

During her time working with the consumer, she discovered that they lacked heat and hot water in the home, and that through the winter months, they depended on electric space heaters to keep warm, so Mary took action.

She spent weeks searching for a company that would replace the furnace, and she worked with Spectrum Generations’ ADRC specialist, Brooke Jansen, and KVCAP to have the new furnace installed.

Gerard Queally, president and CEO of Spectrum Generations, said that “Because of Mary’s advocacy, this consumer received a whole lot more than help with her finances. She received a new furnace and was also connected with the Meals on Wheels program. Spectrum Generations is incredibly grateful to Mary for going above and beyond in her line of duty. While she’s only been with us since last summer, Mary has already made an incredible difference in the lives of those who she serves as a volunteer, and for that we are grateful.”

Spectrum Generations, the Central Maine Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center, has been a leading provider of information and advice, referrals, programs and activities for adults for 50 years.