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She helps out folks at every stage of life
By BETTY HAYWARD We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. -- Winston Churchill * * * Jean Herzig has made a life of giving for more than 60 years. This mother of four and grandmother of nine currently gives her time to three community organizations: Pinellas County Head Start, the League of Women Voters and St. Petersburg's Commission on Aging. Born in Indianola, Iowa, Herzig developed an early interest in social work because her father was the head of the sociology department at Simpson College. Jean followed in her father's footsteps by majoring in sociology and history. She graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where her father had transferred to head the school's sociology department. It was her father's belief in people and caring that fueled Herzig's passion for volunteering. After graduating from Trinity, Jean worked in La Paz, Bolivia, for the U.S. Embassy. While there, she met her future husband, Paul, who was working as a pipeline engineer. In 1957, Paul was sent to St. Petersburg to work on a natural gas pipeline. The Herzigs enjoyed the area so much, they decided to call St. Petersburg home. Today, all Jean's children and grandchildren live in the area. Her husband is deceased. In 1968, Herzig accepted a position with Health and Rehabilitative Services as a caseworker primarily serving the elderly. She worked there until she retired in 1990. Herzig volunteers with the League of Women Voters in St. Petersburg. She has participated in several studies for national housing, poverty/welfare and medical needs; she has also participated in the African-American Voter Registration Education Committee. Her primary focus is encouraging all eligible citizens to vote. Another focus for Herzig is serving on the board of Pinellas County Head Start/Early Head Start. As secretary, Herzig assists more than 1,500 children, and expectant mothers and fathers looking for employment. She has helped Head Start become accredited by the National Council on Early Childhood Education and has seen the organization receive the Program of Excellence Award, the highest recognition given by National Head Start. Herzig also serves on the St. Petersburg Commission on Aging Committee. She has assisted the committee with research that ensures seniors have adequate accommodations in the city. When asked what she would say to other seniors about volunteering, Herzig said, "I would tell them not to be afraid to get out there and try volunteering." If you are ready to begin your life of giving, call the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at (727) 327-8690, ext. 22. RSVP connects people 55 and older to the needs of their community. - Betty Hayward is director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in Pinellas County. Write her in care of Seniority, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
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From the Times Seniority pages |
