The word "hero" gets used a lot.

But being a hero doesn't always require an act of bravery. On Wednesday, 38 older adults whose volunteer efforts cover a wide range of services and have made a deep, lasting impression on those they serve were recognized as Missoula County Seniors of the Year by Missoula Aging Services.

They have volunteered for causes ranging from peace and justice and helping school children learn to delivering meals to shut-ins and assisting the homeless.

Nominations for the awards came from agencies, organizations, faith communities and people throughout the county.

The complete list of 2009 Missoula County Seniors of the Year:

• Butch Baldwin, Missoula Aging Services administration; Joyce Clark, Jeanette Rankin Peace Resource Center; Pat Dow, Missoula YWCA; Vick Applegate and Gerald Nelson, MAS DTV program; Dorothy Erickson, Missoula Manor; Jean Froelich, Missoula Senior Center;
• Rocky Allen, Spirit at Play Early Child Program; Bob Dorian, Frenchtown High School; Susan Eichten, Hellgate Elementary School; Allan Goddard, Meadow Hill Middle School; Donna Rae Iverson, Russell Elementary School; Walter Lane, Franklin Elementary School; Gladys Pomrenke, Bonner School;
• Charlotte Wevers, Paxson Elementary School; Boyd Gossard, Sela Senci; Jo Ann Gray, Partnership Health; Pat Hardman, Adult Protective Services; Jim McLean, AARP Tax-Aide Montana; Frankie Morrison, Ronald McDonald House; Marge Pettinato, Christ the King Parish; Linda and Robert Plick, Missoula Public Library;
• Donna Bowne, Hawthorne School; Melly Cooper, Head Start; Arlyne Craighead, Cold Springs Elementary School; Lynne Roberts, Hillside Health Care Center; Ruth Royter, Historical Museum at Fort Missoula; Bill Gaub, MAS HCBS Program; Judy Mickelson, The Springs at Missoula; Eva Warthen, Summit Independent Living;
• Lula Winchell, MAS Senior Companion Program; Shirley Schroeder, St. Anthony Parish; Mary Lou Stofer, MAS Meals on Wheels Program; Shirley Tiernan, Poverello Center; Ed Vukelich, MAS Home Maintenance and Safety Program; Robert Waid, Missoula Food Bank; and Jack Wathen, Missoula Police Department.

Reporter Bill Schwanke can be reached at 523-0493 or at bschwanke@missoulian.com.