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City of Columbia volunteers recognized for extraordinary efforts!
The Volunteer of the Month program recognizes the efforts of some of the many volunteers who improve the City of Columbia. Visit this page to read about our volunteers of the month!
2010 : 2009 : 2008 : 2007 : 2006 : 2005 : 2004 : 2003 : 2002 : 2001 : 2000
Our May volunteers of the month have taken “spring cleaning” to a whole new level, and fall and winter for that matter! The volunteers of the month are members of the Mizzou Beta Eta chapter of Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a national co-ed service fraternity. The men and women of APO have spent several hours, rain or shine or ice and snow, helping to collect trash and debris from our local streets water ways over the past two years.
APO members are standout volunteers for their unconditional dedication. Stormwater Educator for Columbia Public Works, Mike Heimos, brags, “[APO] is a great group of young men and women, who show up no matter what the conditions. This past year they cleaned Rock Quarry Road twice with the Public Works Street Department, both times walking the full length of the road and picking up trash before it went into the Hinkson Creek in freezing rain and ice cold temperatures!”
Volunteering has obvious benefits for our community, but it also has wonderful benefits for our volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar values and passion for helping others. APO recognizes that college is a time to meet others who may change their lives completely. Members focus their energy on volunteering but are encouraged to volunteer in groups to help foster lasting friendships.
~Written by volunteer Brittany Perrin
For those of us who have spent anytime living in Mid-Missouri, we know that claiming the weather is “inconsistent” can be a drastic understatement. While the unpredictable weather may hinder some of our daily activities and events, it has yet to faze our April Volunteer(s) of the Month! Come rain or shine you can find Monica Frank and Telisa Anderson volunteering two Saturdays a month for the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection program.
Whether they are welcoming citizens who are bringing materials to the event, passing out reference materials, or answering questions they are always smiling and a joy to be around.
“These enthusiastic ladies help increase overall awareness of Columbia’s recycling program and are appreciated for their friendliness and willingness to help!” says Volunteer Supervisor- Andrea Shelton.
Ready to help out whenever they are needed, these women have also stepped up to fill additional roles such as leading the 2010 Fall HHW Student Volunteers or serving as the recycling mascot, Mr. Bag-It at area events! Monica and Telisa are perfect examples of how dedicated volunteers can really make a difference in the city.
~Written by volunteer Brittany Perrin
One thing you might find in common with a lot of Columbia’s stand out volunteers is that once they start volunteering for the city they just can’t get enough! This is definitely the story for our March Volunteer of the Month, Janet Hammen, who has been volunteering for the City of Columbia for more than ten years. When asked what keeps her coming back, Janet says it’s all about the people, “The best part about volunteering for the City of Columbia is the people you get to meet and work with and the relationships you build over time.”
Janet has volunteered for Columbia in several capacities, one being her participation in the East Campus Neighborhood Association. Janet has spent countless hours assisting staff members in sifting through boxes of rental records and helping to digitalize the documents for future use.
There is no doubt that city employees appreciate Janet as much as she appreciates them. Office of Neighborhood Services Manager, Leigh Britt says, “We appreciate the work Janet has done to communicate with the City on issues important to her neighborhood as well as the many hours she is spending working in our office.”
~Written by volunteer Brittany Perrin
While the New Year is in full swing it’s not too late to add the use of your time and talents as a volunteer to your resolutions list. Fair warning from our February Volunteer of the Month, Jim Schepers, though, “Once you start [volunteering], it becomes addicting”.
For Jim that addiction to volunteering began when he became a charter member of the Columbia Aquatic Restoration Project (C.A.R.P.). As a C.A.R.P. volunteer Jim assists in aquatic park management and maintenance for ponds, streams, lakes and rain gardens. When Jim learned of the new project several years ago he decided it was right down his alley. As an avid water foul hunter, Jim had preexisting interest in aquatic restoration, but enjoys C.A.R.P. because of the various new preservation techniques he has learned.
Jim’s passion and talents have certainly not gone unnoticed and he is not the only one benefiting from his volunteer experience. Jen Courtney, Horticulturist and supervisor for C.A.R.P. says, “Jim’s enthusiasm and humor add so much to the events. His hard work and fun nature keep everyone he works with excited about the work they are involved in. His efforts really are having a positive influence on water quality in the Columbia area.”
~Written by volunteer Brittany Perrin
January’s Volunteer of the Month, Dina Charlton, like many of Columbia’s volunteers, doesn’t just stand out purely for the time she donates every month. Dina Charlton is being recognized this month because of the enthusiasm and passion she brings to her many positions with Special Olympics a Sports Coordinator, a Coach, a Chaperone, and an office volunteer.
Dina started her adventure as a Special Olympics volunteer at a single day event that introduced her to a wonderful opportunity to continue donating her talents and service for Columbia. “For me, I decided to try something I thought would interest me. I quickly realized I wasn’t satisfied with volunteering for just single day events and I wanted to pursue more opportunities to help out with Special Olympics,” Dina said. When asked about advice she would give future volunteers, Dina said you just have to keep trying things out until you find what you love.Just as much as Dina loves volunteering, the athletes and volunteer coordinators love having her around. Dina’s supervisor Jody Cook says, “The athletes have blossomed and excelled under her guidance. The teacher in her is ever-present; everyone around her grows from her involvement and dedication. She brings life, fun and learning to all she touches.”
~Written by volunteer Brittany Perrin
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