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Volunteer support has been and continues to be crucial to the success of
the Greenway. Beginning with the Board of Directors, which sets polic y
and goals and actively participates in fund raising, volunteers are involved
in all aspects of the Greenway's activities.
From coordinating special events to pulling weeds and planting flowers,
over 500 volunteers a year help keep the Greenway a very special place for
our entire community to enjoy. We appreciate the volunteers with whom we
work directly, as well as the many volunteers who quietly and often anonymously
work to clean and beautify the Greenway.
Volunteer of the Year 2007 and Volunteer of the 4th Quarter - Lynn Buchanan

We are very fortunate to have an experienced volunteer police
offi cer who
enjoys riding his bike along the Greenway. Lynn has been a volunteer police
offi cer many years and he uses that experience and knowledge to help keep
the
Greenway path safe and fun for all to use. Lynn actually rode 1288 miles
and
put in 183 hours on the Greenway in 2007. He wears a full uniform including
his sidearm and badge. With the help of Lynn and our two paid bike police
cadets
we have seen a strong reduction in graffi ti. They also create a safer environment
for all Greenway users! These are a few of the reasons we are very proud
to
recognize Mr. Lynn Buchanan as our Volunteer of the Quarter and Volunteer
of
the Year.
Thank you Lynn from all the Greenway members and from those
who
come out to use
the Greenway. We
appreciate your
tireless efforts to help
the Greenway stay
safe.
Bike cadets
Jeannett Mora and
Miles Imbery logged
nearly 1000 hours
this summer and
were a tremendous
help as eyes and ears
along the pathway
2007 Fall Volunteer of the Quarter - George E. Rose
Mr. George E. Rose has
been driving a courtesy cart for the Yakima Greenway for two years now and
is very proud to do so. He greets everyone with a smile and a hello. He truly
enjoys getting out on the pathway and meeting people while soaking in the
beauty along the path along with the usual sunshine. He enjoys the river
and all the wildlife that he gets to see but most of all he likes the feeling
of helping others. George said that the Greenway is good for his community
so he wants to keep it nice. George also mentioned that both his children
and grandchildren use the Greenway. One of the major reasons George has been
selected from the many excellent volunteers we have is because he logged
the most hours this summer of any cart driver. He totaled 193.5 hours in
5 months this summer. Thank you George we always welcome your positive attitude.
2007 Summer Volunteer of the Quarter - Karen Fecht
When the word Volunteer is used right away you think of selflessness, service
to others and someone who is willing to lend a helping hand. Karen absolutely
embodies each of these characterizes in a very positive way. With her abilities
to connect with and recruit other volunteers it makes her twice as effective.
She not only gets in and rolls up her sleeves to tackle a job like chairing
the Adult Run Leg of the Gap2Gap race but she also has the ability to encourage
others to volunteer and have fun with it. When you see Karen please congratulate
her on her willingness to help others and be such a critical part of the
success here at the Yakima Greenway.
New volunteers are always welcome! Current opportunities include:
Litter Pickup
Volunteers are needed year-round to pick up litter along the Greenway. This
can be done by individuals or groups. Areas to pick up trash include along
the path, in natural areas, and around ponds and lakes. The Greenway can
supply garbage bags and litter pick-up sticks.
Gardening
Individuals or groups are needed to maintain flowerbeds and plantings in
Greenway parks. Level of commitment can range from a one-time weeding party
to adoption of a bed (or beds) in a park. The Greenway can supply gardening
tools if necessary.
Greenway Courtesy Cart
(May-October, weather permitting) Operation of the courtesy cart (golf cart)
on the pathway to provide pathway users with cool refreshments, first aid
supplies, and information. Volunteers commit to a three-hour shift once
a week after attending a mandatory training. Training sessions are held
in April and volunteers sign up for a shift at that time, with priority
given to returning drivers. This is a wonderful way to see the pathway
and interact with the many users of the path.
Gap2Gap Relay
About 400 people are needed for race course monitors; course
setup and take-down; helping racers at the exchanges; setup and take-down
of tents, signs, and barricades. The safety and success of these races
are dependent on adequate volunteer coverage. We also welcome groups (such
as clubs or employee groups) who would like to volunteer.
If any of these volunteer jobs match your interests, time, and skills, contact
the Yakima Greenway office.
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