SARAH PARKER – TARR

Sarah Parker is a student volunteer leader for the college’s GIVE (GC&SU Involved in Volunteer Efforts) Center and she has been involved with many different areas, departments, offices and organizations on our campus. She has proved herself to be a prime example of what a student leader should be and represent.

Two years ago, one of Sarah’s biggest responsibilities was being the Student Coordinator for the American Red Cross Scrubby Bear program. It is a program that works with elementary age children in teaching them the importance of washing their hands as well as the proper way to wash their hands. It is a great teaching tool that the American Red Cross has in place.

This position takes a lot of organizational and communication skills, team work, patience, direction, hard work, perseverance, dedication and desire to want to do the best possible job her and her volunteers can do. One of the neatest things about this program is that Sarah is a nursing major and she has taken what she has learned in the classroom to better our community. Without the hard work and determination of Sarah Parker, the Baldwin County American Red Cross could not say that all kindergarteners have gone through the Scrubby Bear program. This means that all kindergarteners know the importance of washing their hands and how to properly wash their hands. Wow what a difference one person can make. Now Sarah did not do this by herself but she was the spark that started the fire.

She puts 110 percent into everything she does. She has such a high standard for herself as well as the others she is around and works with. Sarah is making a difference both on and off campus and is a great role model for other students as well as faculty and staff.

EDNA BRILL

Greenspring Village, the continuing care retirement community in Springfield, VA, has a lot of services to offer its residents. It also relies on its residents to make it a fun place alive with interesting, stimulating programs and people who care about each other. In addition it has a goal of making a difference in the neighborhood.

Mrs. Brill, in conjunction with the staff member in charge of volunteer programming, took it upon herself to run a program that provides tutoring to several elementary schools. Twice a week, a shuttle bus leaves Greenspring with our residents on board, heading for Hunt Valley Elementary or Saratoga Elementary schools. In addition, individual residents drive themselves to Garfield Elementary School to tutor kids in reading. This program has been very successful since its inception in 2002. Since then, participants in this program have given over 4250 volunteer hours to mentor and encourage young children in Springfield elementary schools. Recently, the principal of Saratoga Elementary School told me that Greenspring residents touch the lives of 107 kids every week. While they have to deal with attendance issues at the school – there is no attendance problem on Thursdays when Greenspring “grand friends” are there!

When the staff person in charge of volunteer programs left Greenspring early in 2004, Mrs. Brill took it upon herself to ensure that the program would continue. Without her leadership it may have fallen apart. In setting up a tutoring project like Greenspring, one issue to resolve is the transportation. Many of the seniors don’t drive themselves anymore, and using a shuttle service creates a financial need. The service of Greenspring tutors are so appreciated and recognized by the community that the PTAs of both schools using the shuttle service have raised the necessary funds.

Another aspect why this program has been so successful is the fact that the senior volunteers derive as much joy and meaning out of tutoring, as do the kids. This is truly a win-win program inspiring seniors to participate in an important activity within the larger community while the youngest members of this community have a unique opportunity to learn from the wisdom and experience of their elders. Another indicator of the program’s success is that for the coming school year, another three elementary schools have requested Greenspring residents as tutors for their children in need.

Mrs. Brill is active, caring, shows a real commitment from her heart and yet has a balanced view and thus truly embodies all you would want in a volunteer. Greenspring is fortunate to have a person like Edna Brill on board, and her engagement reflects beyond the retirement campus to the elementary schools and right into the kids’ hearts. The children light up when Edna and her tutors show up at the school.

ALYSMAE SCHULTZ

Alysmae Schultz is a retired schoolteacher who is dedicated to helping students achieve their educational goals by tutoring them in reading and mathematics. In addition to tutoring students, she also assists other tutors by providing information as to resources available and assisting them in formulating lesson plans. She expended 70 hours to date this school year. She is currently a volunteer in the Pathways Program, which provides outside assistance to children who are home-schooled.

Alysmae also volunteers as the Pahrump Community Library and has been a secretary and member of the Friends of the Library for several years. She assists in filing returned books, locating documents and elsewhere as needed. Alysmae works one day each week at the library, generally spending from 10-20 hours each month. Currently, Alysmae is tutoring a man in his fifties, who had a stroke, with his reading. She spends from 3-9 hours each month with him.

She is dedicated in her volunteering and is remarkable in that she is 88 years old and could retire and let others do what she is doing, but she continues to make a valuable contribution to the community. Her dedication to volunteering had made a difference to the people with whom she has been in contact by fostering an interest in education and volunteerism.

ERIN ROGERS

Erin Rogers truly deserves a Daily Points of Light award. She is very active in Ottawa’s Youth Action Council and Youth in government programs, and currently serves as the President of YAC. Within the last year, Erin has completed over 250 hours of community service with YAC, doing things such as participating in a food drive and attending sporting events with at-risk youth. In YIG, Erin has put in over 200 hours.

Through YAC, Erin has served on several committees. She was very active planning events for Make a Difference Day activities last year. She has participated in all of the National Days of Service and has been to numerous other communities, including Spring Hill, Kansas and Nashville, Tennessee to speak about youth involvement. She is a strong advocate for youth.

Erin’s participation in Youth in Government has been remarkable. The eight YIG members spent five months planning a 7th and 8th grad Youth Leadership Camp. They wanted to show youth that they could be leaders in their own community, no matter what age they are. Erin was very involved with this event, working extra hours each week making sure it was successful. The group raised over $5,000. With the money raised, they were able to make the amp very inexpensive, so as not to discourage low-income youth from participating. The camp lasted three days and two nights and Heather was there throughout the entire event. She did all of this while fulfilling her other duties for YIG the group is currently planning their third Youth Leadership Camp to take place in June.

One example of Erin’s desire to address social issues was a Valentine’s Day Dance that she helped coordinate. YAC decided they would like to address the issue of the gap between older and adults and youth. They decided to put on a Valentine’s Day Dance for older adults and youth to attend. Under Erin’s leadership, the group met with older adults to see what they wanted at the dance, such as what type of music, decorations and food. The dance was a huge hit, with 65 people in attendance and all of the older adults wanting to attend another one. Erin spent four weeks organizing the event and made it a huge success. Since then, YAC has had five other dances and Erin recently applied for a Good 2 Grant to try to help sustain the dances. She was co-author for the grant.

Erin’s participation in YAC and YIG meets a real community need. She is connecting youth with opportunities to serve. She plans service projects and recruits her peers to join her in improving her community. As a direct result of the Youth Leadership Camp, five new youths joined Youth Action Council. Through promotion of the program by Erin and several other members, 40 youths have expressed an interest in joining YAC this year.

SERVING PEOPLE IN NEED (S.P.I.N.)

S.P.I.N provides food baskets during the holiday season along with free lunches to homeless families throughout the calendar year.

Each year Gary and Sherri Graves provide the leadership and coordination to feed hundreds of needy families who would not have a holiday meal but for the care and understanding of the Graves’. Last year, over 700 holiday baskets were distributed through the Graves efforts. During their off-duty hours, the graves find volunteers to distribute food baskets. They acquire the necessary items to provide a complete holiday meal including a turkey! They along with a handful of volunteers assemble the food baskets. They schedule police officers and other non-commissioned employees to help with all aspects of the food drive. Gary and Sherri are the founders of S.P.I.N. They are recognized as a non-profit organization and do all work related to their charity during their off-duty hours. In these days, it is so easy for police employees to become jaded and indifferent as means of coping with the every-day stresses of their careers.

The Graves however see the need within our community’s homeless and downtrodden. Unlike others, they take affirmative steps to help the needy through their holiday food basket program. Their efforts have made a positive difference in our community. They have helped police employees by helping them recognize the importance of giving. Most importantly the Graves have helped to feed thousands of families over the years.

What impresses me most is the selflessness and true spirit of giving. I have seen much in 25 years as a police officer. But never have I seen people like the Graves. They do this all ad have never sought recognition.

MARILYN DAHL

Marilyn has devoted her life to the development of young people. She is a true example of the 4-H mission-to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, building character, and developing life skills in a fun learning environment that will enable them to become self-directing, productive members of society.

She has volunteered for 52 years as a 4-H leader and during that time, Marilyn has helped plan Leadermete (a state 4-H leader training), served on the Leader Advisory Council, helped with county and state fairs and served as chairperson for the talent contest for 20 years.

Marilyn is the mother of six children and has been a foster placement home for seven Native American children. While raising her children, she continued working toward a degree in education. Twenty years after her high school graduation, Marilyn graduated from college and began as an elementary school resource teacher. She taught for 11 years, when she became school principal. She was principal for 12 more years retiring after 23 years.

During these years, Marilyn continued as a Volunteer 4-H leader, not only for her children, but also in an after school program. She touched hundreds of lives- perhaps the most memorable was teaching a young girl with out an arm how to sew. Marilyn has worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of children and strengthen the 4-H program.

In addition to her countless hours devoted to 4-H, she has fulfilled an LDS mission and served as an election judge. She was an advisor for the Layton City Youth Council 4 years.

Marilyn is currently sharing her talents with the Youth and Families of Promise Program, which is a mentoring program through Utah State University/Davis County 4-H. She helps recruit senior mentors and match them with youth at risk. She not only helps with the “Family Nigh Out” activities, but mentors several children that need a caring adult.

Marilyn is a delightful lady- always cheerful and ready to help anyone in need. She is truly an inspiration and an example of a Governor’s Points of Light recipient.

JENNIFER KRAUSE

Jennifer Krause is being nominated for a Daily Point of Light Award for her outstanding service as a Casey Family Programs Foster Youth Mentor. Jennifer began mentoring a foster youth on October 15, 2003. Jennifer was matched with a 16 year-old youth living in a group home in rural East San Diego County.

Foster Youth Mentors commit to mentoring a youth for 8 hours a month for 12 months. As an Aviation Boatswain Mate stationed on the John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Jennifer’s service required her to be out at sea for weeks at a time. However, she always exceeded the 8 hours per month requirement by spending extra time with her mentee when she was at home.

Jennifer provided her mentee with invaluable friendship and support. In addition to helping her mentee with homework and school assignments, Jennifer and her mentee enjoyed athletic activities, museums, movies, trips to the ship and anything beach and ocean related. Jennifer was able to alleviate some of her mentees isolation by bringing her into the city for activities and outings.

Jennifer left the Navy in August and relocated to Wisconsin. Although their formal match did not reach the 12 month mark, Jennifer had over 100 face to face hours with her mentee despite being at sea for weeks at a time. In addition, Jennifer called her mentee almost daily to check in and provide support.

In my three years of coordinating the Foster Youth Mentoring program, Jennifer has been the most committed and heartfelt mentor I have worked with. She is truly deserving of a Daily Points of Light Award.

KATHY DALY

Ms. Daly is the recent past president of Holly Community, Inc. (HCI) and has served nine years on the board. Holly Community, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to serving people with disabilities in the nine counties of the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.

For the past two years, Ms. Daly has been instrumental in organizing the Lower Shore Annual Spring Games for Special Olympics. There had been no games within 75 miles for eight years previous to 2004. Ms. Daly formed committees, managed finding a location, sponsors, and scheduled the events of the day. As a result of her efforts, HCI will continue to sponsor this event annually. Over 160 athletes and over 200 volutneers participated each year.

CHRISTOPHER WATSON

Christopher watson has helped the community in several ways. He is a 14 year old student at W-M Home School in Oak Grove, MO.

He has visited an elderly woman almost every week for several years until she died this past winter. He made gifts for her and played with her dog. For several years, he made Valentine Cards for Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. The Cards are sent to a radio station and then delivered to the kids. He has also written letters to members of the military of our town and also of the United States. He has adopted a family for Christmas by making cards, candy, and cookies for them. This large family lost their mother one year, so he helped out for Christmas. He participates in National Youth Service Day. This past spring, he helped people in the community by raking yards, cleaning sheds, pulling weeds, and cleaning. He was a host brother for a Japanese student one summer. He played sports and games with her, went with her to the zoo etc. He does volunteer projects every year and continues to do so.

GEORGE L. BRAMBLE

George began volunteering at this hospital in 1980. Using skills developed in his career, George has been the answer to multiple needs in our hospital community.

Most recently, George demonstrated innovation in his capacity as Treasurer of the volunteer-managed gift shop. Our chairperson fell ill,and we have no replacement. George’s knowledge and ability to creatively work with others has kept us afloat and kept the doors open.

As the Timekeeper for volunteer service hours, George is in tune with the 160-member volunteer staff. Our records are always in order, complete and on time. One thing that particularly impresses me is his willingness to update to computerized spreadsheets. He is still on this educational course, building computer skills and adding to our efficiency.

As Volunteer Board Historian, George works with his wife Verla, to compile an annual historical record of the Auxiliary and its members. He photographs volunteer activities, sharing them with others and creating beautiful history books that are a treasure to those dedicated volunteers whose life and service have been captured within the pages.

In addition, George demonstrates remarkable service as a leader by performing beyond his job descriptions. Recently, George served on a task force. George represented our male volunteer staff, and proved instrumental in successfully implementing a uniform change in January 2004. His example and presence in this traditionally female organization has contributed to other quality gentlemen joining our auxiliary, and assuming leadership roles.

The title “gentleman” perfectly describes the tenderness, concern and exemplary service given by this man over the years. I doubt there is any service that could be asked of him that he would refuse. Perhaps the most important aspect of George’s commendable service is that very special connection with his chaming wife, Verla. Referring back to his now yellowed 23-year old application, George specified, “I will be happy to accept any volunteer assignment available where I may serve with my wife.” they have been married for 62 years. Both have continually served at this facility since that time, and today, they still arrive and depart together.

George is the hospital treasure. He is a deeply spiritual, humble gentleman who seeks no recognition for himself, but gladly gives it to others. He is the type of genuine person who reflects the saying, “good people beget good people.” he has influenced all of us to be better. When asked what feeds his volunteer spirit, George Explained, “It is important to seek God’s Kingdom in our everyday lives. Volunteering may require some sacrifice, but it feeds the soul.”