Not long after Jim Judge was named “outstanding volunteer” for his work with the Senior Activity Center, he was called back to the stage.

The Town of Fountain Hills held its annual volunteer reception and awards presentation April 6 to recognize the town’s outstanding volunteers for the past year.

Judge returned to the stage when he was named the 2016 Volunteer of the Year.

Clearly surprised with the honor, Judge spoke briefly about the award.

“I am so pleased to receive this award,” he said.

“But this award belongs to everyone in this room, and I accept it on your behalf.”

The town boasts 750-plus volunteers who do everything from clerical work to building trails and everything in between.

Heather Ware, volunteer coordinator for the town, along with Mike Ciccarone and Grace Rodman-Guetter, kept the awards presentations moving while providing entertainment based on the “roaring 20s.” Ware went by the moniker “Toot-Toot-Tootsie,” and her sidekicks were Grace “Coco” Rodman-Guetter and Mike “Bugsy” Ciccarone.

Judge’s volunteer resume is long and varied. He is a volunteer with the “Adopt-A-Street” program, organized fundraiser for the sheriff’s posse in 2011, was one of the founders of the town’s volunteer transportation program and has served as a driver for homebound residents.

In 2012, he began efforts to bring a dialysis center to Fountain Hills. The center opened this year and is sure to benefit residents for years to come.

He co-coordinated the Caregivers Support Group, the Parkinson’s Support Group and helped start the Men’s Discussion Group. He has been a strong supporter of the Home-Delivered Meals program. He, along with his son, has delivered meals for the past five years.

He has served on a number of boards and commissions over the years and continues to serve the town in numerous capacities.

Judge is retired from the John Deere Corporation as a human resources manager.

Two “Outstanding Community Service” awards were presented at the reception. Jim Sims was named “extraordinary volunteer.” The Fountain Hills Trail Blazers, led by Bill Craig and Bill Myers also received the award.

Others recognized for their volunteer service were four people who have been drivers for Home-Delivered Meals. Lucille Wolfe and Peg O’Hara have served for 25 years each. Dan Dunne has served 20 years, and Carol Carr has served 15 years.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award for the year in the varying departments include Steffnie Beck for Parks and Recreation, Community Services Department; Maxine Morine at the Community Center; Kathy Haynes in administration; Sandy Schmitt in finance; and Terri Zimmerman with the courts.

The Mayor’s Youth Council also was recognized for its participation as volunteers in many town activities and programs.

Mayor Linda Kavanagh, in introducing her youth council, told the audience they have nothing to worry about.

“These young people are the future,” Kavanagh said.

“They are just learning about volunteer service, but they are so giving and so concerned. We have a lot to be proud of.”