Date: September 22, 2009
Contact: Merrith Baughman, 402-223-3514
Denise Elmer was honored as the Volunteer of the Year at Homestead National Monument of America on Sunday, September 20, 2009, at the annual Volunteer Recognition event. Volunteers are an integral part of the operation at Homestead National Monument of America. Because of the number of programs the monument offers, many of them would not be possible without the assistance of volunteers. "We are very fortunate and honored to have these tremendous volunteers involved in the monument. Over the past year nearly 500 people have volunteered over 14,000 hours of service." stated Superintendent Mark Engler.
The volunteer of the year award is given to a person who has made an impact to Homestead National Monument of America in several divisions. Denise Elmer has been behind the scenes doing special projects for many years. You’ll see her working during special events such as being a guide during Howling Homestead; parking cars during Homestead Days and Monumental Fiddling Championship; representing the National Park Service at the Nebraska State Fair; and collecting native plant seeds during the volunteer work days. One of the largest impacts that she has made is in her promotion of the monument with Southeast Community College students. Elmer incorporates Homestead National Monument of America in her lesson plans encouraging students to study the monument’s themes and provide products that can be used for the Friends of Homestead website and blog. The research can be used by rangers for development of new programs. She also writes, manages, and publishes the blog for the Friends of Homestead and established the Friend’s website.
Homestead National Monument of America honored all of its volunteers at a special reception. Several special awards were presented. Stadium chairs were presented to volunteers who provided 100 hours of service this fiscal year. They include: Jerry Davison, Denise Elmer, Tim Foster, Mary Jane Greenwood, Bob Hancock, Marjorie Huls, Arvilla Noerrlinger, Delma Paul, and Tom and Eileen Shirk. Fleece jackets were given as awards to volunteers providing 50 or more hours of service. They include: Don and Betty Deats, Ninfa Gonzalez, Ken and Mary Jane Greenwood, Alice Meints, Ken and Lois Moore, Inez Steinkamp, John Bstandig, Jean Crom, LeeAnn Genrich, Rose Gonderinger, Charles and Frances Maguire, Don Schnier and Zelda Stevens.
For information on volunteering at the monument, contact the Monument’s Volunteer Manager Susan Cook at 402-223-3514.
Homestead National Monument of America is located 4 miles west of Beatrice on Nebraska Highway 4. Hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. All events are free of charge. For more information call 402-223-3514 or visit www.nps.gov/home.
