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Contact: George E. Price, Jr., Superintendent, 508-771-2144 Cape Cod National Seashore volunteers were honored at Highlands Fest: Celebrating Volunteerism, Making Waves on July 9. This year's event at Highlands Center was the national seashore's 50th Anniversary celebration of Volunteers-in-Parks and how their commitment, contributions, and spirit of service makes positive waves throughout the national seashore.The event's theme was captured on a colorful, celebratory mural designed by Barnstable County's AmeriCorps Cape Cod member Vadim Zhernokleyev and painted by Highlands Center partners and volunteers. Former NPS Director Hartzog initiated the Volunteer-In-Parks program in 1970.Mr. Hartzog said, "When a VIP (volunteer) agrees to share his talents, skills and interests with the National Park Service, he is paying us one of the highest compliments possible by offering a most valued possession - his time." Superintendent George Price presented the awards saying, "In 2010 alone, volunteers served over 22,000 hours at Cape Cod National Seashore.The monetary value of this service is almost half of a million dollars, but the contributions of these volunteers are invaluable to us in nearly all aspects of our park's operations.Our Volunteers are perfect examples of what Director Hartzog was talking about and much more." The award ceremony held at the Payomet Performing Arts Center tent recognized the following parties for their volunteerism in the categories of community, arts, science, and education: Community: Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore (accepted by President Dick Spokes) Arts: Joyce Johnson Science: Dr. Graham Giese Education: Seashore's Interpretation and Cultural Resource Volunteers who have served for over 15 years, including: Guitta Blau, Harold Brehm, Paula Capparella, Ken Carpenter, the late Ken Doane, Ed Everett, John (Jack) McCartie, Russ and Verna Moore, Elsa Murphy, Marwood Rand, George Reinhart, Ed and Shirley Sabin, Barbara Severson, Elizabeth Simmons, Carolyn Ward Highlands Fest is an annual celebration of the Highlands Center at Cape Cod National Seashore with its seven partner organizations: AmeriCorps Cape Cod, Cape Cod National Seashore, Fine Arts Work Center in Truro, Highlands Center Inc., Payomet Performing Arts Center, Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill.The mission of the partners is to foster the unique and cultural heritage of Cape Cod by engaging in an environment in which scientific research, arts creation, and educational programs can flourish. -- NPS - |
Last updated: February 26, 2015