2008 BRAVO Award Recipients
October 2009 - Tonia Matthew
September 2009 - Eric Eads
August 2009 - Kevin Marzahl
July 2009 - Bob Moss
May 2009 - Erin Fleser
April 2009 - Whitney Schlegel's Human Biology Class
February 2009 - Dave Everton
January 2009-Danielle Urschel
December 2008-Charlotte Holly
November 2008-Geo Sarigu
October 2008-White River Co-op
June 2008-Troy Sego
May 2008-Angela Williams
April 2008-Ashely Casey
March 2008-Lucille Bertuccio
February 2008-Ron Drahos
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Tonia Matthew with the October "BRAVO" Award
During the Tuesday, October 27 Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Tonia Matthew as the October BRAVO Award recipient. In September of 2008 Bloomington earned Community Wildlife Habitat certification from the National Wildlife Federation. The Bryan Park Creek naturalized area played a key role in the certification process. In an effort to keep native plants thriving in this urban park, periodic maintenance to control invasive plants is needed. Tonia has been our most consistent and most hard-working volunteer during our monthly Bryan Park Creek Maintenance Days and is deserving of this month's BRAVO Award.
Tonia has lived in Bloomington for over 40 years and has a degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. Some of her hobbies include reading, hiking, gardening and theater. Tonia lives in the Bryan Park Neighborhood and walks on a regular basis. The creek path is Tonia's favorite area in the neighborhood and her involvement was sparked by her interest in the park along with her love of birds, wildflowers and trees. Besides being one of our most outstanding volunteers, Tonia is also actively involved the Bryan Park Neighborhood Association and contributes time at the Monroe County Library.
We appreciate Tonia's commitment and involvement in the community, with our Department and with Bryan Park. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department we're pleased to recognize Tonia Matthew as our October 2009 BRAVO Award recipient.
Tonia Matthew accepts the October BRAVO Award
at the October 27 Board of Park Commissioner meeting.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Eric Eads with the September "BRAVO" Award
During the September Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Eric Eads as the September BRAVO Award recipient. The BRAVO Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of departmental volunteers who generously give their time and energy to support our programs and activities benefiting the Bloomington community.
Eric has grown up in Bloomington and is currently a freshman at Wings of Love Christian Academy. When not at school or helping out around the Department, Eric enjoys a day out on the lake or pond doing some fishing and he likes to golf.
Eric defies every stereotype one might have of the typical teenager. For example, over the past three years, Eric has been instrumental in creating the Parks and Recreation Fourth of July Parade entry. In spite of hot temperatures and/or deluges of rain, we've never worked with a young adult who never complained and was just willing to do whatever we asked of him.
Eric worked along side many staff at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center as we prepared it for the grand opening celebration. Staff praised his work ethic, said he didn't try to get out of any assigned task. For days on end, sometimes starting at 4:30 in the morning, Eric was there doing whatever was asked of him.
Eric exemplifies everything that every young adult should strive for: courtesy, respect, tenacity and pride in a job well done. For this we give him (and his parents) kudos and much thanks! We appreciate Eric's commitment and involvement in the community and with our Department. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, we're honored to recognize Eric Eads as our September 2009 BRAVO Award recipient.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Bob Moss with the July "BRAVO" Award
At the July Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Bob Moss for his volunteer service with our department. Bob has lived in Bedford for 40 years and currently teaches CPR and First Aid there. Originally from Michigan, he came to Indiana for work with the USDA Forest Service. With his expertise in surface mine reclamation he instructed land managers in mine site chemistry, ecology and restoration techniques. He enjoys volunteering, traveling to the Caribbean with his wife, hiking, gardening, landscaping, philately, and learning.
Bob has been a part of Leonard Springs Nature Day since the beginning. He learned of the program from his friend, Carroll Ritter of Sycamore Land Trust, one of the program's partners. When Carroll asked if he would be interested in volunteering, Bob asked, "How soon can I start?" He volunteered at the creek station and connected easily with students as he shared his excitement of the chemical tests he taught them. The creek station is often a favorite among students and I can't help but think it is due in large part to the excitement of volunteers like Bob.
Bob did not finish his help with the program after students left. He often stayed to help collect supplies and clean up. He is enthusiastic about the program and is working to organize a similar program in Bedford. While we praise his contribution to our program, Bob praises the program's emphasis on the connections between stations and experiences of the day and calls the organization of the program "outstanding". I am glad we have created a program that a great volunteer like Bob wants to be a part of.
We appreciate his commitment and involvement in the community and with our Department. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, we're pleased to recognize Bob Moss as our July 2009 BRAVO Award recipient.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Kevin Marzahl with the August "BRAVO" Award
Kevin Marzahl was recognized at the August Board of Park Commissioners meeting for his efforts to improve Wapehani Mt. Bike Park. Kevin contacted the City early this summer to request information about Wapehani and to make some management recommendations for the park. Since then he has donated dozens of hours of labor, organized work days and he set up a meeting with Parks staff and the Hoosier Mountain Biking Association to assess the trails. In addition, Kevin has been communicating with the IU Mountain Biking Club, which has adopted some of the bike trails, to help coordinate volunteer efforts at the park this fall.
Kevin is a long-time user of Wapehani, he started riding there in 1997. He has seen many changes in and around the park over the past 22 years. Kevin uses his photography skills to document the ever changing conditions at the park. His photos have helped us determine what types of trail work are needed throughout the park, especially in far flung locations which are hard for staff to inspect regularly.
Kevin's efforts are greatly appreciated. We look forward to working with him this fall and beyond. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, we are happy to recognize Kevin Marzahl as the August, 2009 BRAVO Award recipient.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Erin Fleser with the May "BRAVO" Award
During the May Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Erin Fleser as the May BRAVO Award recipient. The BRAVO Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of departmental volunteers who generously give their time and energy to support our programs and activities benefiting the Bloomington community.
Erin has been involved with the Banneker Community Center for the last two years. During the 2006-2007 academic year, Erin served as the president of the PTO at Fairview Elementary School and worked with the Banneker Staff to provide Childcare at PTO meetings. When Banneker at the View was developed for the 2008-2009 school year, Erin was one of the first to offer support through the PTO as well as offer her personal time.
Erin began working with the after school participants by offering a jewelry and weaving program. Two days a week Erin and the participants created beautiful jewelry pieces and worked on long-term weaving products. Erin provided all of the supplies through purchases, donations, or help from the PTO.
It came to Erin's attention that many children stay at Banneker until 9 p.m. each evening. She was instantly concerned about their nutrition. Erin took the initiative to start a nutritious dinner program one night a week at Banneker. She conversed with staff at Fairview, convincing them to support the program through food preparation. In addition, she talked with Jen Staab, from the MCCSC food program, and she agreed to put Erin on a grant funded account at Bloominfoods.
Due to Erin's perseverance and commitment, our Banneker participants receive a healthy meal every Thursday. Additionally, they have been introduced to new, organic food choices and gain experience preparing healthy meals.
Erin continues to think of the participants in our program and goes out of her way to help them get the best experience possible everyday. She is a great supporter of our staff, our program and most importantly the Fairview School Community. We appreciate her commitment and involvement in the community and with our Department. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, we are pleased to recognize Erin Fleser as our May 2009 BRAVO Award recipient.
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Recognizes Dr. Whitney Schlegel's Human Biology Class
It was back toward the beginning of January, on a cold winter day, when we received an e-mail from Andrew Libby of IU's Office of Service Learning regarding a class he thought we may be interested in - Dr. Whitney Schlegel's HB (Human Biology) 401 capstone class, "The Complex Problems of Humanity". The professor, director of the department, was looking to focus on water quality throughout the semester. Soon thereafter, Dr. Schlegel, Andrew, Nichole Schonemann, also of IUs Office Service Learning, and Kriste Lindberg were enjoying warm coffee and a discussion regarding how we may best work together.
A plan soon took shape.
We would focus on the Cascade Creek Watershed on the north side of town, including Miller-Showers Park and Cascades Park, dividing the watershed into six subwatersheds to be studied by teams of three-four persons each of the 19 students available.
Each student was trained and certified in Hoosier Riverwatch, a water quality monitoring program offered through the state, practices and set free to monitor and do storm drain marking in their specific area.
All involved volunteered more than 10 hours of time, each, to the city, for a total of over 200 hours of service throughout the Spring '09 semester.Along the way, they helped with a public tour of Miller-Showers Park on Earth Day.
It was the first wide-scale watershed protection project in town, providing the students with a real-life view of how to work with local and state governments, and supplying us with much-needed conservation work.
For so doing, each of the 19 students earned the title of "Citizen Scientist" through Bloomington Parks and Recreation. We are in the process of strengthening our Citizen Scientist program and what better way to kick it off than to launch a town/gown, interdepartmental project that not only benefits those involved, but supports life science initiatives, a focus of the area, in general. Clean water is essential to life.
Projects such as these set positive examples and promise to be the way of the future. We are already talking about focusing on other watersheds in semesters to come and IU's Human Biology department may even adopt Cascades Creek through the state's Adopt-a-River program, providing continuity.
It's evident Dr. Schlegel and company has made a lasting impression on our staff. More importantly, they've enhanced our Citizen Scientist certification program and inspired more participation throughout the years. We appreciate their commitment and involvement in the community and with our Department. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, we are pleased to recognize the B401 Human Biology Class as our April 2009 BRAVO Award recipients.
Students:
Gaury Alfaro
Jessica Brenay
Natalie Davis
Diane Grise
Greir Flynn
Tara Guidry
Dana Jones
Brianna Kitzmiller
Dena Kranzberg
Emily Kwitny Ashley Ledger
Jarred Mandel
Leah Matsel
Joseph Meisel
Christina Michas
Nathene Morley
Chenae Reynolds
Tara Secor
Brittani Truelove
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Recognizes Dave Everton as the February 2009 BRAVO Award Recipient
During the February 24 Board of Park Commissioner meeting the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Dave Everton for his volunteer service with our department. Dave moved to Bloomington in August of 1983, and with the exception of a few months here and there, has lived here since and loves it. One of Dave's favorite extracurricular activities is caving. He serves in various capacities in the Indiana caving community, including currently serving as President of the Indiana Cave Survey. He partakes in cave exploration, surveying, photography, and other documentation, and also leads many trips to introduce others to safe and enjoyable caving.
Dave was, perhaps, one of the first community volunteers I met when first starting my job with the City. Defining himself as primarily a caver, I also know him to be a rock climber and a hockey player. And just learned he plays guitar for rhythm and blues band, Caryln Lindsay and Snake Doctor. Good to know in the case I need a guitar instructor. Dave has been the utility player of volunteers. He's played a role in Climbing Club, Adopt-a-Trail, Leonard Springs Nature Day, and most recently the Hockey Initiation program where he was a Leisure Companion. He ranks among my top 5 favorite volunteers to work with.
I talked with several of my co-worker who has interacted with Dave over the years. All of them had wonderful things to say.
Kriste Lindberg: "His ability to accomplish many pursuits with a positive attitude, friendly demeanor, excellent work ethic, and welcome sense of humor make him a highly-deserved Bravo award recipient."
Dee Tuttle: "Not only is Dave a great skater, he also displays strong communication skills with participants of all skill level. Dave shows a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and is a fabulous teacher of the sport." She hired Dave as an instructor for Hockey Initiation Session II.
Angie Smith: "Dave has facilitated the Karst station at Leonard Springs Nature Day for the past two years, and is already scheduled to facilitate it again this spring. This station gives students a look into our karst topography of south-central Indiana and the importance of protecting caves, sinkholes and springs around the area. Dave is very knowledgeable and has a keen ability to get kids excited and interested in caves."
It's evident Dave has made a lasting impression on our staff. More importantly, he's enhanced our programs and inspired our participants. We appreciate his commitment and involvement in the community and with our Department. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, we are honored to recognize Dave Everton as our February 2009 BRAVO Award recipient.
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Recognizes Danielle Urschel as the January 2009 BRAVO Award Recipient
During the January 27 Board of Park Commissioner meeting the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Danielle Urschel for her volunteer service with our department. Danielle received her MFA from Indiana University and has a concentration in printmaking. She has taught fine art courses at IU and volunteers throughout the community to promote art awareness. Danielle is the parent of a Rhino's afterschool participant and has been a member of the Rhino's Advisory Board.
Danielle offered her assistance to the Rhino's staff in early 2008 to start up the screen-printing program. She was an integral part of getting this program off the ground by offering countless hours of consultation, physical labor and instruction.
Danielle has demonstrated such capable teaching skills that she is now a part of the afterschool staff and will remain so for the duration of 2009.
We appreciate Danielle's commitment and involvement in the arts community, with our Department and with the participants at Rhino's On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and Rhino's Youth Media Center, and are pleased to recognize her as our January 2009 BRAVO Award recipient.
Caption: January BRAVO Award recipient, Danielle Urschel, posses with Parks and Recreation staff, Anna Weigand.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Charlotte Holly with the December "BRAVO" Award
During the December Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Charlotte Holly as the December BRAVO Award recipient. The BRAVO Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of departmental volunteers who generously give their time and energy to support our programs and activities benefiting the Bloomington community.
Charlotte moved to Bloomington in July of 2006 after spending much of her life in Michigan. While living in the Wolverine State, Charlotte enjoyed cross country skiing and snow shoeing. She lived on a 40 acre farm that served as a playground for her recreational sports and as a natural oasis for her interest in wildlife. Bloomington serves as a great new home for Charlotte. Given her interest in hiking, bird watching, plays and concerts, there is always something for her do and explore.
Charlotte wasn't even unpacked from her move before she started exploring volunteer opportunities. She began volunteering at the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market almost immediately and has continued since. She started off volunteering at all of the Market events, and now she staffs the Parks and Recreation information table at Market on Saturdays. Her ability to connect with people is phenomenal. She is always enthusiastic about helping and has excellent communication skills - being particularly adept at acquiring customer surveys. She chose to volunteer with the Market because she loves the idea of fresh produce being available to the community.
In addition to her countless hobbies and her involvement with Market, Charlotte also finds time to volunteer at Volunteers in Medicine, RSVP and at church. She begins a new volunteer position at New Leaf/New Life where she will use some of her MSW skills to help people caught up in our criminal justice system become "contributing members" of the community. In addition, Charlotte belongs to the Local Council of Women, Newcomers and the University Club. This past year Charlotte was a dedicated Obama supporter. Her brother in Michigan expects her to be deported from Indiana because of her decidedly Blue bent, but I think we'll keep her!
We appreciate Charlotte's commitment and involvement in the community, with our Department and with the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and the Farmers' Market, we are happy to recognize Charlotte Holly as our December 2008 BRAVO Award recipient.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Geo Sarigu with the November "BRAVO" Award
During the Tuesday, November 18th Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Geo Sarigu for his volunteer service with our department.
Geo has lived in Bloomington for only two months, moving hear from the Galapagos Islands. He has an interesting background and impressive experience. He studied tourism and hotel administration in college and is certified as a surf guide by the Galapagos National Park. He has served as a manager for ecotourism projects in the island of San Cristobal and as an expedition leader for 8 years in Galapagos. These experiences have helped develop his knowledge and love for nature conservation and outdoor education.
During his short time in Bloomington, Geo has contributed more than 50 hours of service. He's worked on a weekly basis with our trail leaders developing our trails and learning about our native plant system. He's shared his interest in the environment by being a station facilitator at the Leonard Springs Nature Day program in October and November. Geo has also volunteered for After School Nature Day, Bryan Park Creek Maintenance Days, Apple Tasting and Putting the Gardens to Bed. When asked what encouraged him to volunteer for our Department, he replied "I was interested in getting to know more about the administrative process that goes into maintaining the great parks of Bloomington that I saw during my first days here. I knew I could learn a lot from the great team of people involved through volunteering directly with them. It has been a very good experience, because I have learned many things here that I can share and implement in the Galapagos."
We thoroughly appreciate Geo's commitment and involvement in the community, with our Department and with our Natural Resources programs. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, we're proud to recognize Geo Sarigu as our November 2008 BRAVO Award recipient.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents White River Co-op with the October "BRAVO" Award
During the Tuesday, October 28th Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized White River Co-Op as the October BRAVO Award recipient. The BRAVO Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of departmental volunteers who generously give their time and energy to support our programs and activities benefiting the Bloomington community.
For the past four years White River Co-Op has worked closely with the Parks and Recreation Department to develop an extremely successful Drool in the Pool event. They have brought numerous volunteers to the event to host activities and help with set-up and clean-up, and they heavily promote the event at their store. Specifically, operators, Rosie and Bob, have dedicated time and energy to find judges for the event and networked with dog food vendors to attend the event and provide give-a-ways to pets and their human owners. Without their support and involvement in this event we would never be able host such a popular event for the public. The resources, both human and otherwise, are invaluable to the continued success of this event.
We thoroughly appreciate White River Co-Op's involvement in the community, with our Department and with Drool in the Pool. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and the Recreation Division, we would like to recognize White River Co-Op as our October 2008 BRAVO Award winner.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Troy Sego with the June "BRAVO" Award
During the June 24th Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Troy Sego for his volunteer service with our department.
Troy has been involved with Bloomington Youth Basketball Program since the 2005-2006 Season and has volunteered countless hours teaching young athletes the fundamentals of basketball. Troy has been a great role model for other coaches as well as players and whole heartedly believes in the mission of our program. He has always supported the staff and coaches with his knowledge of the sport, willingness to help, and commitment to the children. During the 2007-2008 Season the Bloomington Youth Basketball Program joined forces with the Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA Program. This program gave us the opportunity to nominate top coaches in our area for a Coach of the Year Award. Troy was the nominee chosen from our program and in turn was chosen as one of the top 32 coaches in the US out of over 83,000 applications.
Here is an excerpt from the press release for this award: The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coach of the Year program recognizes member coaches who stand out, both on and off the court, exemplify and teach Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA S.T.A.R. qualities (Sportsmanship, Teamwork, positive Attitude, and Respect), while representing the hard work and dedication that make youth sports a rewarding developmental experience for players, parents, officials and other coaches.
Troy was recognized in a press release as well as a plaque he received from the program. We thoroughly appreciate Troy's commitment and involvement in the community, with our Department and with the Bloomington Youth Basketball program. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and the Banneker Community Center, we're pleased to recognize Troy Sego as our June 2008 BRAVO Award winner.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Angela Williams with the May "BRAVO" Award
During the Tuesday, May 27th Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Angela Williams as the May BRAVO Award recipient. The BRAVO Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of departmental volunteers who generously give their time and energy to support our programs and activities benefiting the Bloomington community.
Angela has lived in Bloomington for 13 years, having first moved here to pursue a BA degree in Gender Studies at Indiana University. She now makes her own jewelry and owns a small jewelry business, A Beautiful Notion. She got involved with Bloomington Parks and Recreation through Elizabeth Tompkins, Natural Resources Education Assistant, and supervised the Griffy Lake boathouse during the 2007 season.
Angela volunteered more than 22 hours at the 2008 Leonard Springs Nature Day program in March and April. While she was planning on just working one of the days, she ended up enjoying the program and the students so much, she came back for five of the six days. Angela was our all around utility volunteer and was able to assist in any area that needed help. Her favorite part about the program was "seeing 6th graders who may not get outdoors and hike much, get dirty and learn at the same time." The Leonard Springs Nature Day program was her first volunteer involvement with the department, but she has already volunteered at the Hoosier Hustle and plans to work other events as well.
We thoroughly appreciate Angela's commitment and involvement in the community, with our Department and with the Leonard Springs Nature Day program. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and the Natural Resources Division, we're happy to recognize Angela Williams as our May 2008 BRAVO Award winner.
Angela Williams displays her BRAVO Award certificate following the May 27th Board of Park Commissioners meeting.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Ashley Casey with the April "BRAVO" Award
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Ashley Casey for her continued volunteer commitment to the Banneker Community Center's After School Adventure Program. Ashley started volunteering at Banneker about 2 years ago, dedicating three hours of service per week during the school year. During her time volunteering she interacts with the children, helps them with their homework, and assists in leading different activities. This May Ashley graduated from Indiana University and plans to work in either child psychology or child counseling field.
In April the Banneker Community Center took the children to the Indianapolis Children's Museum. During the trip it was obvious how much the children really look up to Ashley and enjoy spending time with her. Ashley's is a wonderful mentor for the children, consistently instilling confidence within them and offering them support. Her dedication and patience make her an exceptional volunteer.
When asked why she decided to volunteer at the Banneker Community Center she said, "I have always loved working with and helping kids. I saw this great opportunity to be involved in the Bloomington Community while doing something that was important to me and something that I loved doing. If I could make even the slightest difference in one child's life, then I'd be happy." Ashley's time at Banneker has definitely influenced the lives of many children.
Ashley not only volunteers at the Banneker Community Center but she also spends countless hours volunteering for Community events. She has volunteered for the Trick-or-Treat Trail and Pumpkins in the Park. Over the course of Ashley's involvement with our Department, she has contributed approximately 50 hour service.
We appreicate Ashley's commitment and involvement in the community, with our Department, and with the After School Adventure program. She make an impact on each. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, the Banneker Community Center, and the After School Adventure children, we're proud to recognize Ashley Casey as our April BRAVO Award winner.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Lucille Bertuccio with the March "BRAVO" Award
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Lucille Bertuccio for her volunteer service with Grow Organic Educator Series (GOES). Lucille has been a 20 year resident of Bloomington. She received her bachelor's degree from Trenton State College and her master's degree from Indiana University. She considers herself an amateur natural historian and has a particular interest in edible and medicinal wild plants. Lucille serves as director of the Center for Sustainable Living, a locally based, member-run non-profit that was started in 1991 by Bloomington residents. The mission is to make available information, services, projects, and networking opportunities for those interested in exploring ecologically and economically sustainable ways of thinking, living and interacting in the community. Lucille constantly seeks out opportunities to share her ecological values and methods that keep with the goals of the Center for Sustainable Living.
The Grow Organic Educator Series is a 13 week class that schedules organic gardening experts to share their gardening knowledge with the community. Upon their completion, participants become certified as Grow Organic Educators. Lucille is one of the co-founders of the program and has been instrumental in its success for the past seven years. She not only helps to organize the classes and field trips and teaches a number of the modules but also communicates with instructors about their resource needs and with students about volunteer opportunities and volunteer hours completed. Lucille serves as advisor to the Bloomington Organic Gardeners Association (BOGA), the organization which provides continuing education and volunteer opportunities for GOES graduates, and has supervised the creation and maintenance by BOGA of the demonstration garden at the Hinkle-Garton Farmstead Historic Site.
In addition to her volunteer work with GOES, she also volunteers to teach many other classes for People's University, including the upcoming "Create an Instant Butterfly Garden with the Lasagna Method." Lucille's volunteer work has greatly expanded the ability of the department to provide high-quality and low-cost classes to the community in the areas of horticulture and sustainability. She is already hard at work scheduling instructors for GOES 2008.
We appreciates Lucille's commitment and involvement in the community, with our Department and with the Grow Organic Educator Series. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and People's University, we're proud to recognize Lucille Bertuccio as our March 2008 BRAVO Award winner.
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Presents Ron Drahos with the February "BRAVO" Award
During the February 26 Board of Park Commissioners meeting, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department recognized Ron Drahos as the February BRAVO Award recipient. The BRAVO Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of departmental volunteers who generously give their time and energy to support our programs and activities benefiting the Bloomington community.
Ron has been involved with youth baseball in Bloomington for over 25 years. He has held many officer positions with Bloomington Junior League Baseball and transitioned through many leaders and parent board members. If you ask any member of the Bloomington Junior League Baseball Association, they will likely tell you that he is the backbone of delivering the program.
He has volunteered more hours to youth baseball than any of us dare to try to calculate. Possibly his most valuable and thankless contribution to the program has been his devotion to inventorying, storing, and purchasing equipment. This includes uniforms and all other baseball equipment.
A sincere thanks is due to Ron for helping deliver youth baseball to what is now a third generation of Bloomington families. We thoroughly appreciate Ron's commitment and involvement in the community, with our Department and with Bloomington Junior League Baseball. On behalf of the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and the Sports Division, we recognize Ron Drahos as our February 2008 BRAVO Award winner.