The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources Division, in partnership with the Calvert Nature Society recently honored Calvert Stewards volunteers at a recognition picnic on May 19, 2024, at Kings Landing Park. Eighteen volunteers received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their dedication and commitment.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award, established in 2003, 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 who each contributed more than 100 hours of volunteer service in 2023. Three volunteers will have a brick engraved in their honor placed at the Battle Creek Nature Center to recognize their extensive lifetime service: Jason Avery and Andrew Miller have contributed more than 1,000 hours and Mary Hollinger has contributed 2,000 hours of service.
“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,” said 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, which if assigned a monetary value, would surpass $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.
The following volunteers received 2023 Bronze Level PVSA certificates and pins:
- 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
The following volunteers received 2023 Silver Level PVSA certificates and pins:
- Teens (75–99 hours): Oliver Diamond
- Adults (250–499 hours): Jason Avery, Tonyia Johnson
The following volunteers received 2023 Gold Level PVSA certificates and pins:
- 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 online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/ParksandRecreation.
