A wonderful event was held at Tyler Arboretum on Saturday, January 25. For the second time in Tyler’s history, the Arboretum recognized its volunteers with a national honor, the President’s’ Volunteer Service Award. I act as a certifying agent for the award and have been authorized to administer the award to volunteers such as the outstanding individuals that selfessly donate their time and energy to Tyler Arboretum.
There are four different levels of the award (bronze, silver, gold, lifetime), with each level requiring a different number of volunteer hours earned over a one-year period based upon the age of the volunteer (children, young adults, adults, and families or groups). For Summer 2012 – Summer 2013, I was pleased to certify 31 awards – 20 at the bronze level, 8 at the silver level, 2 at the gold level, and one lifetime achievement award. Congratulations to Joe Cultrara for donating over 4,000 volunteer hours to Tyler Arboretum to earn the Lifetime Recognition! Each volunteer received a lapel pin, award certificate, and a letter signed by the President of the United States of America.
Director of Horticulture Mike Karkowski (far left) and Director of Public Programs Amy Mawby (far right) recognize one of Tyler’s volunteers on January 25.
Previously, 32 volunteers had been recognized with the Presidential Service Award. In a ceremony held at Tyler in December 2012, seven volunteers received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award: Nick Greene, Wayne Keller, Michael Lenzi, Jack Nixon, Tom Reeves, Doug Robinson, and Pat Vaul.
Note that when you volunteer for Tyler Arboretum, your hours are automatically tracked and you will be notified if you qualify for an award. What an exciting way to be recognized and to celebrate volunteering at Tyler Arboretum!
Journeys of Dr. G at Tyler Arboretum 