Volunteer Action Center -Volunteers of the Year 2003

Volunteer Recognition Awards Presented

Awards Ceremony held at the Kellogg Center

The Valley United Way hosted its 8^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony on April 29, 2003 at the Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby. Celebrating the American Spirit was the theme for this year’s event in commemoration of all the time and talent volunteers have given to make the Valley community a better place to live and work. Award winners included:

Jonathon Hermans in the (12-18)Youth Category for his tireless efforts to coordinate computer classes and chair activities for the residents of Crosby Commons and United Methodist Homes.

The Adult Volunteer Service recipient is Jean Banks. Jean has served as a twenty-five year volunteer with the Connecticut Girl Scouts Council and earned the GSUSA Leadership Development Pin Award and THANKS badge for her advanced training and service.

The Corporate and Community Excellence Award was presented to Wachovia for their continual great works with the Tinney Community Center and numerous agencies within the valley.

Ann Wege of Pitney Bowes will also be honored with the meaningful Sharon Bryce Holly Award. Ann coordinates a 3,000 lb. food drive every year to benefit the homeless in conjunction with ACT/Spooner House.

Members of Emmett O’Brien’s Carpentry Department was honored with the Youth Group Award for constructing Santa’s Workshop every year in coordination with Team Inc. to benefit children during the holiday season.

Another active group that was presented the Adult Group Award was the Derby Police Auxiliary. As a 20 member organization, their members volunteer 5000 hours of service per year and serve as an extension of the police department in controlling traffic for special events.

Carol Henshaw, an accomplished author of the book, “Natural Wonders of Connecticut and Long Island” received the Living Treasure Award. Carol has logged in 4000 volunteer hours at the Ansonia Nature Center and runs the Nature Store in addition to single handedly spearheading a funding partnership with Yankee Magazine’s “Community Partner’s Program.”

The Volunteer Action Center is proud to sponsor a recognition event that honors the heroes and heroines of the Valley community. All of the award recipients were hailed for their commitment, dedication and service to our nation. Joy DeMarchis, director of the Volunteer Action Center praised the leaders for their service beyond the call of duty. She stated that, “Volunteers exemplify the true spirit of America and what it means to be American. When our nation has been hardest hit, Americans always rise to lend a helping hand and support to their neighbors and communities.”

Special thanks to Fred Ortoli for all the photographs.
Click on images for larger pictures.

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For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Action Center at 926-9478. The Center can also be reached by E-Mail by clicking here.