Vol. 39, No. 4
Spring 2010
VOLUNTEER NEWS
SPRINGTIME IS PARTY TIME
Springtime is the time of year many programs choose to ‘officially’ recognize their volunteers. In recent months, BTBL volunteers have been included in four recognition events. See articles below.
30TH ANNUAL BTBL VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON
March 21 was the date for the 30th Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon for AZ Braille and Talking Book Library volunteers. 145 volunteers, staff and guests dined on a lovely luncheon while enjoying Celtic music played by the Black Velvet Band. The event was held at the Glendale Civic Center in the center of old Glendale.
Six volunteers were recognized for 1,000 of volunteer service including:
Bobbette LeBaron – reader, director, Phoenix studio
Billie Levine – director, reviewer, editor, Phoenix studio
Alma Myers – director, Phoenix studio
Don Myers – reader, Phoenix studio
Linda Perham – machine section support, Phoenix and home review
Theresa Tate – director, reader, Phoenix studio
Volunteers Louella Marshall and Olive Swearengin received Lifetime Achievement Awards. This award recognizes 25 years or more of volunteer service. Louella and Olive each received a personalized plaque with a golden cassette attached.
Following the awards presentations, the group was inspired by the comments of Marlene and Tony Cobos. They occupied the podium together and shared their many years of experience as patrons of the Talking Book Library. Many volunteers said their presentation was the highlight of the afternoon.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Long time studio volunteer Dwight Brahs received an award at the AVACA (Association of Volunteers of Central Arizona) luncheon held at the Farrelli’s Cinema Supper Club in Scottsdale on April 8. Dwight was recognized for his volunteer work as both a reader and director in the Phoenix studio. Volunteers from every kind of organization from health care to police departments to social service programs were honored at this annual event.
CITY OF MESA PUBLIC LIBRARY HONORS VOLUNTEERS
All the recording studio volunteers and machine repair volunteers who are located at the City of Mesa Public Library were included in the annual volunteer luncheon sponsored by the City of Mesa Public Library. The luncheon, which was held at the Mesa Country Club, included entertainment, comments by the Mayor of Mesa, a speech by a long-time library patron who is disabled and uses the Mesa homebound and talking book services and a raffle with door prizes.
Awards were presented to volunteers for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service. Studio reader Linda Munsil was honored for 20 years. Recording team Pam McCune and Tina Rogers were honored for 5 years of service in Mesa. Pam, Tina and Linda each selected a book from among Mesa’s recent acquisitions. These books will include dedication book plates in recognition of these volunteers. The books then will be shelved as part of the Mesa collection.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK CELEBRATED
April 18-24, 2010 was National Volunteer Week. This recognition week was first established in 1974 by the Points of Light Foundation. It has been endorsed by all subsequent U.S. presidents, and many governors, mayors and other elected officials. In addition to highlighting the contributions and accomplishments of volunteers all over the country, Volunteer Week provides an opportunity to demonstrate to the nation that by working together citizen volunteers have the strength and fortitude to meet and positively impact a wide range of challenges arising in our communities.
The Braille and Talking Book Library celebrated the accomplishments of all of our volunteers with special decorations and refreshments throughout the week and a raffle of donated gifts.
SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE
Volunteers we count on you. So please remember if you are going on vacation during the summer, give your staff supervisor or Jeanie, 602-255-5578,
Jeanette Pawlowski advanced notice of the dates you’ll be gone.