April 17, 2015
Contact: Nancy Lee Gomer, Marketing Coordinator, 636-949-7535 or cell 636-795-1137
St. Charles County, Missouri –As part of National Volunteer Week, the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department recognized volunteers for their extraordinary service and dedication at a Volunteer Appreciation celebration that was held at the Lodge at Quail Ridge Park near Wentzville, on Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m. During the program, it was announced that in 2014, hundreds of volunteers contributed 5,257 hours of donated time to the St. Charles County regional parks system.
St. Charles County Parks Director Bettie Yahn-Kramer began the program by expressing her heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers and recognized all the ways they have assisted the Parks Department over the years. “The parks department would not be what it is today without the many volunteers who sacrifice their time and energy in helping us, every day. Volunteers come in all ages and demographics, and are a valuable resource to those of us who depend on them for a wide variety of tasks.” Among the 75 attendees, there were several organizations and individuals who were recognized with 2014 Outstanding Volunteer Awards in several categories. Amy White of St. Charles received the Outstanding Individual Volunteer Award; Tony Caruso and Jodi Devonshire, owners of the Bike Stop Café in St. Charles, received the Outstanding Volunteer Family Award; Missouri Master Naturalist Confluence Chapter were honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Group/Organization Award; Cabela’s received the Outstanding Volunteer Corporate/Business Award; The Way Church in Wentzville was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Faith-Based Award; and Dr. Anita Mallinckrodt of Augusta received the Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to the Outstanding Volunteer Awards, members of the St. Charles County Parks Advisory Board, Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club and St. Charles Community College were presented with Special Recognition Awards during the program.
“To be able to be in the midst of such a remarkable, stellar group of folks…so dedicated, so stalwart, so conscientious, can only serve to make one want to be better, do better, achieve better, just to be able to try and be in concert with you…thank you all for showing the way,” said Yahn-Kramer.
In addition to the volunteers, St. Charles County Councilman Mike Elam, District 3; Joann Leykam, St. Charles County Director of Administration; Colene McEntee, St. Charles County Public Affairs Coordinator; Ruth Mellor, Parks Advisory Board Chair and Larry Henderson, Parks Advisory Board member, were also in attendance to support the Parks Department at the volunteer appreciation celebration.
Volunteers of all ages and abilities assist the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department with a variety of tasks throughout the year. These dedicated volunteers help to beautify and manage natural resources in the park; maintain and build the regional trails system; assist with educational programs and special events; and assist with demonstrations, re-enactments and interpretations at our Towne Park homestead and the County Heritage Museum.
To register to become a volunteer for the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department, please contact (636) 949-7535, or visit www.stccparks.org for more information about these opportunities.
National Volunteer Week, a program established in 1974, is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about taking action and actively demonstrating collective power to make a difference!
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