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On November 27, 2023, the Lt. Governor’s Power of Service Award was presented to two remarkable individuals: Mary Boyer and Henry Savage. These two volunteers have dedicated decades of their lives to serving their communities, providing essential services that have made a tremendous impact on the lives of Utahns.
Mary Boyer: 25 Years of Service to Salt Lake County Seniors
Nominated by Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Mary Boyer has volunteered for more than 25 years, tirelessly working to support seniors through her involvement with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP). Her expertise in Medicare has been invaluable to the elderly residents of Salt Lake County. Through SHIP, Mary helps seniors understand their Medicare statements and navigate complex medical bills, ensuring they receive the benefits and care they deserve.
Mary also educates older adults about fraud prevention through her work with the Senior Medicare Patrol, helping protect seniors from abuse and scams. Her efforts have saved countless individuals both money and stress, providing peace of mind to families across the region.
Mary’s commitment to excellence is evident in her participation in annual recertification education, which allows her to offer the latest in Medicare and Medicaid counseling. Whether answering calls in the office or attending senior centers, she approaches each case with a focus on the individual’s unique medical needs.
Beyond her regular duties, Mary steps up at community resource events, often with little notice, to educate people on Medicare fraud and abuse prevention. Over the years, she has contributed over 3,300 hours of service, continuing even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to her hard work, hundreds of seniors have had access to critical resources and support they otherwise wouldn’t have known existed.
Henry Savage: 32 Years of Volunteer Service in Utah County
Henry “Hank” Savage, nominated by United Way of Utah County, has volunteered for more than 32 years with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. His dedication to helping individuals and families with low incomes navigate the often-confusing tax filing process has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a site coordinator, Henry ensures that VITA sites run smoothly, offering support to both volunteers and clients alike.
Not only does Henry prepare tax returns, but he also makes himself available to answer complex tax questions from other volunteers and stays late to ensure everything is completed accurately. At 87 years old, Henry’s energy and passion for service haven’t waned. He often works long hours, sometimes staying two hours after everyone else has left, making sure that each tax return is correct, and every client receives the refund they deserve.
Over the years, Henry has devoted thousands of hours to volunteering, serving at multiple VITA sites across Utah. His commitment to helping others, often at a moment’s notice, has had a lasting impact on thousands of Utah County residents.
Recognizing Extraordinary Service
The Lt. Governor’s Power of Service Award recognizes volunteers like Mary Boyer and Henry Savage, who go above and beyond to make a difference in their communities. Both Mary and Henry exemplify the spirit of service and have positively influenced the lives of thousands of Utahns. Their stories remind us of the profound impact one person can have when they dedicate their time, expertise, and compassion to helping others.
