Thank you. Two simple words that when put together mean so much to the people receiving them. Recently, it was the Monmouth County Park System’s turn to show its appreciation during its annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.
Park system staff honored 1,115 volunteers who gave 27,657 hours assisting with recreation programs, special events and park facilities, according to a press release.
On any given day, volunteers can be found assisting with therapeutic riding lessons, leading a trip or assisting in offices. They also garden, lend a hand at cleanups and monitor endangered birds.
Docent volunteers welcome visitors and share information about exhibits, programs and facilities. Leaders and instructors with the Outdoor Adventures program assist with the climbing wall, hiking, archery, biking and canoeing.
Many special events and races such as Thompson Park Day, the Monmouth County Fair and the E. Murray Todd Half- Marathon depend on volunteers to run smoothly, according to the press release.
Area residents who volunteered more than 40 hours in 2015 are Talya Ackerman, Marlboro; Denise Bixby, Howell; Lois Blake, Colts Neck; Barbara Carroll, Colts Neck; Saul Cohen, Freehold; Carol Cohen, Freehold; Barbara Duggan, Freehold; and Donna Dziobak, Freehold.
Also, Barry Fulmer, Freehold; Cheryl Fulmer, Freehold; Donna Hansen, Freehold; Joseph Hnat, Colts Neck; Katharine Hopkinson, Colts Neck; Stephanie Kwan, Marlboro; Patrice McCoy, Freehold; Janice Mundy, Freehold; Ellen Simonetti, Morganville; Elaine Weigl, Howell; and Sandra Wolfe, Howell.
Area residents who volunteered more than 100 hours in 2015 are Helen Cole, Freehold; Louise DelCollo, Colts Neck; Frank Nofi, Manalapan; and Paige Rockhill, Howell.