Rita Trinko volunteers at the Senior Gift Shop and several other places.
She was born in Wausau and grew up in Shawano County in the town of Herman. In 1961, she graduated from Shawano High School and shortly after began working at Skelgas, which became Ferrell Gas in 1996. She did accounting and customer service for 50 years. Trinko retired two years ago.
She was married to Lee for 46 years before his death five years ago. They have a son and two grandchildren.
Trinko lives in Shawano, where she walks at least eight miles a day, splitting it up between morning and afternoon. She is a lifelong Packers fan with tickets on the 50-yard line.
Q Where do you volunteer?
A “I volunteer at the Senior Gift Shop at the Civic Center. I’m the treasurer and write out checks if there are bills to pay. Every month I write checks for people who have sold $10 or more of their crafts. I work there when there is an opening. I help at the Red Barn for different organizations. People know me, and they call me. I help at the Rhubarb Fest for the Shawano County Historical Society. This year, I parked cars. For the Tilleda Advancement Association, I help at pancake days the first Sunday in May and at Peace Lutheran Church in Tilleda for their pancake day the first Sunday in October. I volunteer at the Peace Church fair stand. We have a different menu this year of just chili, ice cream and pie. I was honored to lead the walkathon for Shawano Pathways.”
Q What do you embroider?
A “Since I’m retired I got all kinds of time. I used to make quilts. Of late I’ve been just doing baby quilts and bring them to the gift shop. I embroider dish towels and sell them at Till the Cows Come Home. I see a picture and I draw it and then embroider it. I like silly faces and hands to embroider. People who know embroidery can tell I’m left-handed.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “I enjoy being with people. After 50 years of customer service, I enjoy talking to people. I have the gift of gab. If I can help someone out, I will.”
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