INSIDE Page 2 Helping to Ensure the Safety of the County - Emergency Management Volunteers Page 3 The Nielsen Group at Eagle Lake Park and Florida Botanical Gardens Page 4 A Great All-Around Volunteer - Mark Piacenti Page 5 Clearwater Needs Volunteers for the National Fast Pitch Softball Tournament We re on the web at www.pinellascounty.org/volunteer Three Volunteers Win Awards in 2017 Art Show James McCook (Animal Services), Jane Myers (Brooker Creek), and Bianca Avlonitis (Extension) Participation this year was at an all time high with nearly 200 artists and close to 300 entries. Volunteers and their families figured in the mix as well as retirees, employees and their families from throughout the Pinellas County government community. Altogether, there were 13 volunteers who entered artwork. The distinguished panel of judges were Ms. Amanda Cooper (Morean Art Center), Dr. H. Alexander Rich (Florida Southern College), and Mr. Peter Tush (the Dali Museum). They were impressed with the artwork and also with the opportunity for artists to show their work. The Art Show remains on exhibit through July 24 in the Courthouse lobby, 315 Court Street in Clearwater. If you can t visit in person, we invite to you to view all of the entries on our website. Juno, 2nd Place, Amateur Photo, James McCook, Peachy, 2nd Place, Intermediate Painting, Jane Myers, Volunteer, Brooker Creek Preserve Volunteer Voice How to participate: Send questions, article submissions, upcoming events, photos, or story ideas to: msault@pinellascounty.org or call (727) 464-5098. Editor - Mary Sault James McCook accepts award from Holly Schoenherr, Director of Human Resources. Jim plans to donate Juno to Animal Services. Blue Fox, Honorable Mention, Youth Work on Paper, Bianca Avlonitis, Jane Myers accepts award from Paul Valenti, Director, Office of Human Rights. Look for more photos inside!
Helping to Ensure the Safety of the County Contributed by Mary Burrell, Emergency Management Working in the Emergency Operations Center during Hurricane Hermine is long-time intern Sandra Pittman, front, with Stephanie Hendrix, Emergency Coordinator. Emergency Management has a dedicated group of volunteer Amateur Radio (HAM) Operators, interns and outreach ambassadors that make a big difference in the County s efforts to prepare the community for all hazards. They worked diligently this past year doing outreach, and helping with Tropical Storm Colin, Hurricane Hermine, Hurricane Matthew, the active shooter-exercise, the weeklong Integrated Emergency Management Institute training, and the daily operations of Emergency Management. Thank you! Corey Waters and Julia Watson, interns with Emergency Management, gave a lively presentation about hurricanes during the April 27, 2017 Bring Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day. Working during Hurricane Hermine Sept. 1, 2016 in the Emergency Operations Center are Amateur Radio (HAM) Operators (left to right) Dave Rockwell, Vern Betlach and Bruce Kreutzer, and behind them is Dave Byrum. See What You May In Me, Ana Parkhomenko, Intermediate Works on Paper, A Day on the Cross-Bay Ferry, Lynn Bosco, Intermediate Photo, Volunteer, Forward Pinellas 2
The Nielsen Group at Eagle Lake Park and Florida Botanical Gardens Contributed by Kathy Barile, Chief Park Ranger - Sand Key, Eagle Lake, Pinewood The Nielsen Group did a lot of work at Eagle Lake and Florida Botanical Gardens last May. I wanted to share these great photos. A great time was had by all and a lot of invasive plants were removed from our parks. Thanks for all you do! Before Arch Rock, Jennifer Penney, Amateur Photo, Sunset Lake, Ana Parkhomenko, Intermediate Works on Paper, 3
A Great All-around Volunteer Contributed by Keith Hollon, Park Ranger, Sawgrass Lake Park Another great volunteer and picture: Mark Piacenti working at Lealman Park removing gum from the slide. Mark is another all-around volunteer helping with daily duties at Sawgrass Lake Park, Lealman, Joe s Creek Greenway Park and Weedon Island. Mark took one of our small overgrown jungle areas at Sawgrass and manicured it back into a blossoming and bustling butterfly garden. Great volunteer and glad to have him. Great Blue, Jane Myers, Intermediate Works on Paper, Volunteer, Brooker Creek Preserve Bare Trees, Laurie Angyn, Intermediate Photo, Volunteer, Brooker Creek Preserve Cuba, Lynn Bosco, Intermediate Photo, Volunteer, Forward Pinellas Harbor View, Jennifer Penney, Amateur Photo, Volunteer, Animal Services Snow, James McCook, Amateur Photo, Volunteer, Animal Services 4
Red Umbrella, Maria Avlonitis, Youth Painting, Tranquilidad, Maribel Avlonitis, Amateur Photo, A New Beginning, Maribel Avlonitis, Amateur Painting, A River Runs Through It, George Avlonitis, Amateur Painting, Dreaming, Samuel Avlonitis, Teen Photo, Volunteer, Extension Fast Pitch Softball Volunteers Needed Volunteers are needed for the National Fast Pitch Tournament on July 17 23, and for the Junior World Championship July 24 30, 2017 in Clearwater. Volunteers will serve as score keepers, field monitors, team ambassadors, parking assistants, and more! For additional information and to register as a volunteer, please contact Natalie Lamb at (727) 562-4803 or by email at natalie.lamb@myclearwater.com. A View from Above, Maria Avlonitis, Teen Photo, 5