(Nov. 19, 2015) The state recognized one of Berlin’s marquee volunteer programs last month, as two members of office of economic and community development were presented with the Governor’s Service Award.
Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells and Administrative Assistant Sharon Timmons were notified of the designation in September, but the original ceremony was postponed because of Hurricane Joaquin, and then rescheduled for Oct. 26.
The honor, in the community service category, recognized Berlin’s Ambassador Program, which helps welcome guests to the downtown area and provide information on local shops and community events.
Timmons said the town had not entered before, adding, “It recognizes Maryland citizens for their significant volunteer contributions to the state.”
“Basically what this did, is this gave us statewide recognition for our ambassador program,” Wells said. “As a spinoff now, Salisbury has implemented or will implement an ambassador program and so will Ocean City.”
Timmons said she and Wells were able to announce the award during a volunteer thank you dinner at the end of the summer.
“Without them, the ambassador program would not be where it is,” she said. “It’s all due to the hard work that they do.”
This year alone, Timmons said Berlin had 44 volunteers who amassed more than 760 volunteer hours from Memorial Day through the end of September.
“Other volunteer activities accounted for over 1,100 volunteer hours,” Timmons said. “Our volunteers and our ambassadors are essential.”
Using the state’s formula, Wells said volunteers saved the town of Berlin $28,744 in 2015.
“That’s enormous,” she said. “And there’s a difference between volunteer and volunteered. We have volunteers. They really, really enjoy what they do.”
“The ambassadors do it because they like to do it. They like to get out there and talk to the people,” Timmons said.
Timmons said the town is still looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming Christmas parade, tree lighting and other holiday activities, as well as at the front desk of the visitor’s center.
To volunteer in Berlin, contact Wells at iwells@berlinmd.gov or 410-629-1722, or Timmons at stimmons@berlinmd.gov or 410-629-1716.
Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells and Administrative Assistant Sharon Timmons were notified of the designation in September, but the original ceremony was postponed because of Hurricane Joaquin, and then rescheduled for Oct. 26.
The honor, in the community service category, recognized Berlin’s Ambassador Program, which helps welcome guests to the downtown area and provide information on local shops and community events.
Timmons said the town had not entered before, adding, “It recognizes Maryland citizens for their significant volunteer contributions to the state.”
“Basically what this did, is this gave us statewide recognition for our ambassador program,” Wells said. “As a spinoff now, Salisbury has implemented or will implement an ambassador program and so will Ocean City.”
Timmons said she and Wells were able to announce the award during a volunteer thank you dinner at the end of the summer.
“Without them, the ambassador program would not be where it is,” she said. “It’s all due to the hard work that they do.”
This year alone, Timmons said Berlin had 44 volunteers who amassed more than 760 volunteer hours from Memorial Day through the end of September.
“Other volunteer activities accounted for over 1,100 volunteer hours,” Timmons said. “Our volunteers and our ambassadors are essential.”
Using the state’s formula, Wells said volunteers saved the town of Berlin $28,744 in 2015.
“That’s enormous,” she said. “And there’s a difference between volunteer and volunteered. We have volunteers. They really, really enjoy what they do.”
“The ambassadors do it because they like to do it. They like to get out there and talk to the people,” Timmons said.
Timmons said the town is still looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming Christmas parade, tree lighting and other holiday activities, as well as at the front desk of the visitor’s center.
To volunteer in Berlin, contact Wells at iwells@berlinmd.gov or 410-629-1722, or Timmons at stimmons@berlinmd.gov or 410-629-1716.