By SUE ELLEN ROSS – Staff Reporter

BOUTTE – While working as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, Bea Simoneaux learned many skills. Coordinating her daily deliveries, dealing positively with the public, and practicing patience while handling unforeseen circumstances were among them

After her retirement, she transferred this valuable experience to her volunteer work.

The Boutte resident offers time at her church, Holy Family Catholic Church, and also works with the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP.) Involvement in the latter takes her to many events throughout the community, such as school activities and the Senior Olympics. The most recent assignment was at the annual Destrehan Plantation Festival.

Simoneaux helped man the concession counter at the event. More than 1,000 children and adults attended the 2-day affair, which kept Simoneaux and her fellow volunteers very busy.

This was exactly what she had in mind when she retired. Although Simoneaux likes to read and work in her yard, she felt she wanted to do more with her time.

She became aware of RSVP at a local senior luncheon, shortly after her retirement six years ago. She met RSVP Director Fay Caire at that time and began talking with her about opportunities. “She told me to come to the office and fill out papers,” said Simoneaux. “So I did, and have been with RSVP since then.”

Although service is given wherever is needed, the retiree also has a permanent assignment at the St. Charles Parish Tourist Center one day a week.

Working with all types of people is another benefit Simoneaux enjoys in her service to others. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for anyone to volunteer,” she said. “It works for me, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone.”

For more information about RSVP, call Fay Caire at (985) 785-1037.