MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County closed out National Volunteer Month on Saturday, April 30th by recognizing all volunteers at our first ever Volunteer Appreciation event. The theme of the event encouraged volunteers to focus in on their own wellness and included a brunch catered by Country Courtesy of Warwick, florals generously donated by Dogwood Acres Farm of Middletown and an encouraging program lead by Lannette Perez of I.V.A. Fitness.
Our volunteers and their commitment to Cornell Cooperative Extension along with their passion for our programs are truly at the heart of our successes and allow us to extend our reach throughout the community and Orange County.
“Holding an Appreciation Event provides staff an opportunity to say “thank you” to our volunteers for their dedication as they touch the lives of others through their commitment to share their expertise and knowledge in addition to handling a host of other essential duties entrusted to them,” shares Susan Ndiaye, Community Horticulture Educator and Volunteer Committee Chair.
Over 60 volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to socialize and celebrate each other at the event which was held at CCE Orange County’s Education Center & 4-H Park in Otisville, N.Y. Staff and volunteers alike look forward to this becoming an annual event.
In particular, those who have provided CCE Orange County with over 25 years of service were recognized. Those volunteers include Marie DeMarmels, Scott Demberg, Gary Johnson, Christopher Morgan, Marie Pulvirent, Patricia Reineke, and Renee Stover.
Tom Davis, past Orange County 4-H Program Leader and current longtime volunteer was also celebrated for being recognized as a 4-H National Hall of Fame Laureate which is organized by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals.
“When I look back on my years of involvement with Orange County 4-H as a youth, I can’t help but to remember Tom being central to so many achievements and memories for myself and so many others. He embodies what it means to live out the 4-H pledge and continues to provide an example of leading through service to current 4-H youth, families, and volunteers,” said Jill Van Aken, past Orange County 4-H’er and current Community Outreach and Events Coordinator.
On behalf of all staff at CCE Orange County, we thank all of our volunteers again and invite anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to reach out by calling 845-344-1234 or to explore opportunities available on our website at cceorangecounty.org/volunteer.
Cornell Cooperative Extension and its partnerships provide programs for Orange County residents on youth and family development; nutrition, health, and food safety; community and economic vitality; and agricultural sustainability through Cornell based research. Committed to Orange County, we design programs to meet local needs to enable people to improve their lives and communities. For more information call Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County at 845-344-1234 or visit our website at www.cceorangecounty.org.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County
