ORANGE CITY, FLORIDA, May 4, 2009 – It is a little ironic that the high-tech, high-speed, 3G devices which are supposed to make us more efficient, seem to leave us busier than ever.
There are, however, some very special individuals in Southwest Volusia who are never too busy. Whether crocheting patriotic afghans for elderly veterans, organizing Christmas parties for poor and underprivileged children, or making teddy bears for terminally ill children, these persons can never say no when there is a need to be filled in their community.
On Thursday, May 7 at DeBary Golf and Country Club, Florida Hospital Fish Memorial will honor the following persons for their dedication and spirit of volunteerism. One person will receive the Johana Knox Award for Community Service Excellence, named for one of the area’s best known and best loved volunteers.
Richard Allen, DeBary: Rich has served his community through Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity and other civic organizations. It was no surprise then, that when Tropical Storm Faye flooded many of his neighbors last year, Rich coordinated volunteers and local businesses to evacuate 40 families to higher ground. According to one of the families he rescued, “I don’t think he even realizes what a good deed he did.”
Carol Briggs, Deltona: For nearly 30 years, Carol has helped many family members cope with caring for a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s. Through her support groups at Deltona Presbyterian Church, Carol uses her personal experiences to lend her support group members through painful emotions, and thereby easing their burden. Carol’s many years of selfless devotion and advice to families coping with the effects of the disease have been an “inspiration,” according to her nomination.
John G. Hernandez, Deltona: John has had a hand in nearly every civic event that has taken place in Deltona for the past 30 years. He is currently serving his third term as president of the Deltona Civic Association, where he helped create a free language learning program, and has co-chaired the Deltona Day Parade for the past 12 years. According to his nomination, John will “go beyond the call of duty to help someone in need no matter how much time he has to put into it.”
John Kent, Orange City: The softball field at Valentine Park opened in Fall 2008, largely due to John’s efforts, according to his nomination. Because of the vast differences between baseball and softball fields, John, a board member of the Orange City Little League, convinced his board to allow him to pursue private donations for the cause, and ultimately raised enough money to convince the City Council to commit the remaining funds for construction of the field.
Ryan Rinaldo, DeBary: According to his nomination form, Ryan, a Deltona High School student, “gains high grades, as a leader he displays motivation, determination and positive attitude, and as a person with strong character, he continually takes a stand on issues benefiting our school and community.” Ryan volunteers for FHFM, his school, and speaks regularly at DeBary City Council meetings on various issues. Ryan is also vice-president of Student Government, and president of Future Educators of America.
Eleanor Samuels, DeBary: Eleanor’s “life as a volunteer” began in 1942, according to her nomination form. That was when she made Rosary beads for soldiers during World War II. Since then, Eleanor has been a 13-year member of the PTA, a Cub Scout den mother, member of the DeBary Public Affairs Council, President of the DeBary Women’s Club, and actively involved with her church. She also helps donates to causes like the Abused Woman’s Center, and makes teddy bears for the kids at Camp Boggy Creek.
Florence O. Smith, Deltona: Veterans at Deltona Health Care nursing home sleep a little more soundly because of Florence, according to her nomination form. For the past ten years, Florence, a 60-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, has crocheted patriotic red, white, and blue lap blankets for the veterans, and keeps a journal of their dates of duty, length of service, and other important information the veteran offers. Florence also helped one veteran receive his long-overdue Purple Heart.
Barbara Willey, Deltona: Barbara began volunteering with at-risk children at Pine Ridge High School when her husband died more than 20 years ago, according to her nomination form. She is vice-president of the Deltona Civic Association, and president of Deltona Garden Club. As an “original” Deltonian, Barbara helped with the incorporation of the city, and serves on the City of Deltona’s Beautification Advisory Board. She has also served on the city’s code Enforcement Board.
Sandra Wilson, DeBary: Sandra has “helped create not only a community that is alive with art, but also created an aspiring place to showcase it all,” according to her nomination form. Sandra worked for ten years to make the Gateway Center for the Arts a reality through innovative funding methods such as DeBary’s annual Haunted Hike and other free or low-cost events designed to get the community excited about art. The Center provides venues and artistic activities for children, adults and the handicapped.
Tickets for the “Black Tie – Blue Jeans Celebration”at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7 are $35 per person. For reservations, please contact Camille Murawski at 386-917-7197, or via e-mail at camille.murawski@fhfm.org
Florida Hospital Fish Memorial was built in 1994 and is a 139-licensed bed hospital located at 1055 Saxon Boulevard in Orange City. Florida Hospital Fish Memorial was named among the 2008 Orlando Sentinel’s Top 100 Companies for Working Families. Florida Hospital Fish Memorial is a member of the Adventist Health System; the largest Protestant not-for-profit hospital system in the nation. For more information about Florida Hospital Fish Memorial visit www.fhfishmemorial.org