Exceptional Volunteers Honored

Stark Parks celebrated volunteer accomplishments in 2024 at the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park earlier this month. Through September, over 12,427 volunteer hours have been logged in 2024. These difference makers were celebrated at the annual Volunteer Recognition dinner along with several awards recognitions.
Community Partnership Award
The Stark County Beekeeper’s Association was awarded a Community Partnership Award because of their collaboration in leading successful beekeeping programs. Members volunteered each week to evaluate the health of the hive and prepared materials for many public programs. They also provided a swarm of bees for the hive.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Shandy Myers of Perry Twp., a longtime volunteer at the Wildlife Conservation Center, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award based on her leadership and promoting the mission of Stark Parks. Nominations cited her strong commitment to helping wildlife, sharing her knowledge with other volunteers and visitors, and willingness to pick up additional volunteering shifts and assist at special events during the year. As a sub-permittee, Shandy cared for over 100 animals from her home requiring around-the-clock feedings and care.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Pam Severa of Hartville was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year because of her unwavering commitment to the success of Stark Parks and the Quail Hollow Volunteer Association. As a Board Member and Membership Committee Chair of the Quail Hollow Volunteer Association, a member of the Quail Hollow Herbal Society, and a Stark Parks Ambassador volunteer she has given more than 3,000 hours over the last several years. Pam’s nominations highlighted her organization, enthusiasm, and easiness to work with to invite and welcome many visitors to the parks.
Wildlife Conservation Center Volunteer of the Year Award
Barbra Lewis of Perry Twp. was honored as the Wildlife Conservation Center Volunteer of the Year because of her “whatever needs done” work ethic during her weekly volunteering at the center. Nominations praised her ability to help with background tasks and dirty jobs that are vital to the facility especially during the busy baby seasons. Barbra’s involvement and interest with the center has spanned over several decades.
Community Science Award:
Michael Barath of Canton, a volunteer since 2007, was given the Community Science Award. His contributions included observations to iNaturalist (a citizen science application) and surveying bumblebees and bluebirds at park locations. He also takes photos while volunteering to showcase the conservation efforts and wildlife at several parks and special events.
Outstanding Trailblazer Award
Jean Warstler of Navarre, a Trailblazer volunteer for nine years has spent many hours hiking and biking on the trails and assisting trail users. Because of her dedication, she was awarded the Outstanding Trailblazer Award. Nominations cited her dependability and accurate reports of activity and common questions and requests from trail users.
Rising Star Award
Abby Rochford of Massillon was recognized with the Rising Star Award for her determination and hard work in the Ranger Explorer youth program. The award honors an outstanding individual who is beginning to discover the meaning of volunteerism in the community. A two-year member of the program, she has made being a part of the explorer program a priority and brings energy and leadership to sessions and events.
Retiring Board Member
Bill Bryan of Massillon was recognized as a retiring Board of Park Commission member serving since 2016 during a time of change and growth. Major accomplishments during Bill’s time on the board included the opening of the Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center, a 50th anniversary celebration in 2017, management transfer and upgrades to the Sippo Valley Trail and Quail Hollow Park facilities, the addition of Tam O’Shanter Park, the Mindfulness Walk debut at Petros Lake Park including the Governor’s Award for 2020 park project in Ohio, the hiring and transition of new park leadership, and opening Fry Family Park and the Campus Trail.
Posted on October 22, 2024 within Events, News, Volunteers
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