TOWN OF CARY RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS AT ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

CARY, NC – At a banquet on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, honoring hundreds of citizens who volunteer to help with Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) programs each year, the Town of Cary announced the winners of ten special annual awards for outstanding service, including:

• Harry Druck: recipient of The Don Smith Award, which recognizes a volunteer in the Town's athletics programs who demonstrates leadership as well as promotes skill development, sportsmanship, participation and fun;

• Todd Crouse: recipient of the Distinguished New Coach Award, which recognizes a person who has coached less than five years with the Town of Cary .  The recipient demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with players, parents, and staff, brings in new ideas, and promotes the Athletics Division philosophy;

• Sonia Su and Rashi Bisarya: recipients of The Teen Award, awarded to two deserving members of Cary ’s Teen Council who demonstrate leadership and a strong interest in community service.  One award went to a member of the Middle School Teen Council (grades 6-8) – Su –and the other was awarded to Bisarya, a member of the High School Teen Council (grades 9-12).;

• Jim Hammerle: recipient of The Cultural Arts Award, which is presented to an individual who lends leadership and support to all aspects of the Town's arts programs, including literacy, performance, and visual arts;

• Meena Jeyakumar: recipient of The Multi-Cultural Arts Award, given to an individual who is resourceful in promoting the arts and appreciation of other cultures;

• Brent Miller:  recipient of the History & Heritage Award, which recognizes leadership in preserving and promoting appreciation of Cary’s history and heritage;

• Linda Holben: recipient of The Senior Award, presented to an individual with a strong interest and volunteer service in senior activities;

• Toby Kennedy: recipient of The Environmental & Trails Award, which recognizes leadership and effectiveness in advocating environmental conservation as well as the improvement and development of the Town's greenways, trails, and open spaces; and,

• Tullie Johnson: recipient of The Herb Young Award, which is given to a volunteer with overall outstanding service, leadership, and support for and of the staff and programs of Cary 's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department.

“We congratulate each of these dedicated individuals for their exemplary and unselfish service to the Cary community,” said Recreation Projects Coordinator Helen Stanfield.  “We hope their leadership will inspire others to continue to make a difference in the lives of others.”

John Blanchard, Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , also shared inspiring words with guests during the event.

The Town’s PRCR Department offers many opportunities for citizens to become involved in the community including coaching athletic teams, trail workdays, park cleanup, maintenance or enhancement projects, docents at Page-Walker Arts and History Center, and helping out with Applause! Cary Youth Theatre.  Also, the Athletics Committee, Greenways Committee, and Cultural Arts Committee serve as advisory bodies to the PRCR Advisory Board.

For more, call (919) 469-4061 or visit Volunteer Awards at www.townofcary.org.

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