Senior Citizens honored: Charles and Lillian Swickard were honored Saturday for their years of volunteerism and community leadership. Both are currently volunteers at the Duneland Resale Shop and have been active in a variety of community organizations over their years of raising five children in the Duneland Community. (Tribune photo by Dana Gilbertson)

Lillian and Charles Swickard have a long history of community involvement, volunteerism, leadership and hard work.

On Saturday, the Duneland Chamber of Commerce honored the couple for their involvement and leadership, their caring and sharing.

Both have been actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America. Chuck has received the Award of Merit, the Order of the Arrow and the Silver Beaver Award from the Dunes Moraine District.

Both belong to St. John’s United Church in Chesterton, where Lillian has served on the Board of Deacons, the Church Council and Women’s Guild and as a Sunday school teacher and Youth Group leader.

Chuck has served on the Church Council several times and was Church President twice. He is currently on the Board of Deacons and has also been a Sunday School teacher.

Chuck is actively involved in the Meals on Wheels program, visits nursing homes and is honing his woodworking skills and enjoys a membership in Ducks Unlimited.

The two raised five children here and offered counseling, nurturing and guidance to countless others.

They have traveled to the Gary Presbyterian Church where they’ve served in the soup kitchen and assisted with clothing drives.

Both have been essential in the operation of the Duneland United Resale Shop, where they have worked tirelessly in every aspect.

At ages 75 and 78, Chuck and Lil are still spending 30 hours a week hard at work--in the service of others.

In their nomination, it was noted that the Swikard’s live by Rev. Wesley’s philosophy: “Do all the good you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, for as long as you ever can.”

Posted 1/29/2007