`BACKBONES' TAKE A BOW : SERVICE GROUP FOR ELDERLY CHEERS VALLEY VOLUNTEERS.

Byline: Eric Wahlgren Daily News Staff Writer

The 65-year-old Encino resident serves as a peer counselor for fellow seniors, lends a hand to elderly people with impairments and puts in hours selling produce at a local farmer's market - never for a paycheck.

As the crowd rose in standing ovation, Ruth Ross, the former business manager of a health magazine, was named Saturday the Outstanding Volunteer of 1996 for the Organization for the Needs of the Elderly.

``I'm absolutely overwhelmed,'' Ross told more than 150 San Fernando Valley seniors and ONE employees gathered at the Valley Senior Service and Resource Center in Reseda for the social service organization's hoedown volunteer recognition party.

Jo Zeitouni, ONE's director of volunteers, said Ross began volunteering with the organization 19 years ago and now spends more than 20 hours a week pitching in any way she can.

``Any kind of event, (Ruth) is there to help, always with a smile,'' Zeitouni said.

To go along with the glass award in the shape of the numeral one, City Councilwoman Laura Chick handed Ross a certificate of appreciation from the city.

``I almost forgot it was a surprise,'' Chick said to Ross, who was obviously stunned by the news of the award. ``I almost came up and told you how excited I was you got the award.''

During the afternoon event that featured line dancing and a lunch of grilled sirloin and chicken, ONE employees praised the legions of volunteers, whom they called the ``backbone'' of the nonprofit agency.

``There is no way we could do without our volunteers,'' said Marilyn Fried, ONE's executive director. ``They are an extension of our staff.''

Funded mainly with money from the city and private foundations, the $2 million agency with 75 staff members serves more than 14,000 seniors every year.

With centers in Reseda and Van Nuys, ONE offers Meals on Wheels, day care for adults with impairments, an array of classes for seniors and other activities.

Many seniors who use ONE's free services said the organization has made a big difference in their life, including Cecile Cole, who has attended the organization's weekly, all-day knitting class for the past 16 years.

``It keeps me going,'' said Cole, 92. ``I wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China.''

During Saturday's festivities at the Victory Boulevard center, the Youngest Volunteer award went to 1-1/2-year-old Elizabeth Weinlein.

``Every day I put her in a backpack and we deliver meals to the homebound,'' said her 33-year-old mother, Jill Weinlein of Tarzana.

Daily News columnist Dennis McCarthy received a Community Service award, in part due to an article he wrote describing the homey environment of ONE's Valley Senior Service and Resource Center, which he dubbed Lola's Place after its director Lola Rabow.

``When the article was published, we had 150 new members sign up,'' Rabow said. ``That tells you something.''

ONE's Outstanding Family award went to Valerie, Rachel and Johnathan Brill of Woodland Hills. The Outstanding Youth award was given to Erick Hernandez. Barbara and Onni Manni received the Outstanding Rookie Volunteer awards, and Outstanding Staff Member as a Volunteer awards were given to Eleanor Zuravin of Encino and Mary Glaus of Reseda.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

Photo: Ruth Ross reacts to her selection as Outstanding Volunteer of 1996.

Evan Yee/Daily News