Parks & Recreation

Volunteer Service Awards

Volunteer of the Quarter: April-June 2008

Gloria and Rus Fisher

New to the area, Gloria wanted to get involved and meet new people. She dragged Rus along on their first event and I haven’t been able to get rid of them since. Gloria and Rus were key players in our Lake Belleview Playground Project on June 14. They gave their time and muscle to event day activities and went out of their way to assist with the neighborhood, door-to-door recruitment of volunteers. They can be seen ushering at most events and getting their hands dirty during community beautification projects. I have not found a project or event that at least one of them will not attend. Gloria and Rus have jumped in headfirst and proved that they are truly valuable volunteers and dedicated to improving their community. We are lucky to have such a great couple on our team!

Volunteer of the Quarter: July-September 2008

Carol Taylor

Carol stumbled across our program through Hands on Tampa Bay. She began working with us during the USF Under Armour Softball Tournaments in March of this year. Since her first event, Carol has volunteered for almost every event that has occurred, including two sweltering days of Clearwater Celebrates America in July. Carol is always on time, works well with everyone and is such a joy to be around. She is dependable and flexible and every volunteer coordinator’s dream! I feel privileged to work with her and truly appreciate the time she has chosen to give us!

Service Group of the Quarter: April-June 2008

University of Tampa Ethics Students

During the month of June, a group of ethics students from the University of Tampa spent two consecutive weekends serving our community. Led by fellow student, Theresa Crudele, they assisted us with children’s activities during the Lake Belleview Playground Project and lent a hand with a planting project on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. The group spent approximately 80 hours serving our community and made a real impact. We truly appreciate our neighbors across the bay participating in programs that bring Tampa Bay together as one large community.

Service Group of the Quarter: July-September 2008

Delta Sigma Theta Alumni of Clearwater

The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta adopted Garden Avenue Park in May 2007. They completed their requirements and extended their adoption in late May. With an entire year to complete two projects, they had no idea they would be called on so quickly. Sadly, in July 2008, the park was struck by vandals who spread glue throughout the property. When contacted, the group immediately rallied and pulled a small team together for the following weekend. They spent several hours scraping glue and successfully returned the park to its former state. They exemplify what an adopt a park group should be and showed us that they truly care about their park and are ready to protect it when needed. Great job!

Volunteers in Action