PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources Division, in collaboration with the Calvert Nature Society, recently honored dedicated volunteers of the Calvert Stewards program at a recognition picnic on May 19, 2024, at Kings Landing Park. Eighteen volunteers received the prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) for their exceptional dedication and commitment over the past year.
Established in 2003, the PVSA recognizes individuals who have demonstrated ongoing volunteer service over a period of 12 months. Additionally, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) awarded certificates to 13 volunteers for contributing more than 100 hours of volunteer service in 2023. Three outstanding volunteers – Jason Avery, Andrew Miller, and Mary Hollinger – will have bricks engraved in their honor placed at the Battle Creek Nature Center, recognizing their extensive lifetime service of over 1,000 hours each, with Hollinger contributing an impressive 2,000 hours.
Natural Resources Division Chief Karyn Molines (far right) presents engraved bricks to Calvert Stewards volunteers (from left) Andrew Miller, Mary Hollinger and Jason Avery who were honored for lifetime volunteer service of more than 1,000 hours by the Calvert County Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources Division, and Calvert Nature Society during a volunteer recognition picnic in May.
"The efforts of all volunteers are second to none," said BOCC President Earl F. "Buddy" Hance. "Without volunteers, many projects and programs would go unfinished. We are grateful to have so many citizens who put in exceptional effort to give back to the community."
"Thank you to all our Calvert Stewards for your volunteer efforts throughout the years," expressed Calvert Nature Society President Joyce Baki. "To our award winners, thank you for your extreme effort over the past year to earn this prestigious recognition. You truly deserve it."
The Calvert Stewards volunteer program offers opportunities for public service in education, research, and stewardship, supporting the missions of the Natural Resources Division and the Calvert Nature Society. In 2023, 108 volunteers recorded 5,940 hours, valued at over $200,000, underscoring the invaluable nature of their volunteer time.
The following volunteers were recognized for contributing more than 100 hours in 2023: Karen Anderson, Jason Avery, Janet Barnes, Riley Brown, Alexander Caniglia, Amber Ewing, Mary Hollinger, Tonyia Johnson, Angela Mitchell, Maggie Silverman, Craig Simmons, Joanne Simmons, and Kathy Wood.
Volunteers who received 2023 Bronze Level PVSA certificates and pins include:
- Teens (50–74 hours): Damien Nordon
- Young Adults (100–174 hours): Jaycee Hollinger
- Adults (100–249 hours): Karen Anderson, Janet Barnes, Angela Mitchell, Maggie Silverman, Joanne Simmons, Craig Simmons, Kathy Wood
Recipients of the 2023 Silver Level PVSA certificates and pins were:
- Teens (75–99 hours): Oliver Diamond
- Adults (250–499 hours): Jason Avery, Tonyia Johnson
Gold Level PVSA certificates and pins were awarded to:
- Young Adults (250+ hours): Riley Brown, Alexander Caniglia, Amber Ewing
- Adults (500+ hours): Mary Hollinger
The Calvert Nature Society is dedicated to protecting Calvert County's natural heritage and fostering an environmentally literate and aware community. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it supports the Calvert County Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Division through various outreach initiatives.
The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation strives to enhance the health, economy, and well-being of the Calvert County community through sustainable practices, leisure opportunities, and environmental stewardship. For more information about Parks & Recreation facilities and programs, visit Calvert County Parks and Recreation.
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