The Curatorial Department presented several awards to volunteers who have worked particularly hard behind-the-scenes. Renee Brochon, Williamsburg, Liz Conner, Hampton, and Karen Berger, Newport News, received the Golden Cutting Board Award for their help in preparing thousands of animal diets. Briana Ozolins of Williamsburg received the Golden Sponge Award for assistance in cleaning animal cages. Lisa Menery of Newport News received the Golden Whisk Award for volunteering on the outdoor trail in all kinds of weather. Mary Beth Litton of Williamsburg received an award for research on animal enrichment and assistance in record keeping. Matt Somma of Williamsburg was recognized for his hard work during the storm, Ernesto. Stephanie Click of Suffolk received an award for her diligence in cleaning aquariums. Alex Watson of Newport News was recognized for 17 years of volunteering in the horticulture area.

Christine Dimock and Naida Nelson, both of Newport News, was recognized by the Development Department for assisting at every facility rental during the past year.

Christine Dimock and Sheila Kerr-Jones of York County received the Golden Scissors Award from the Education Department for cutting thousands of childrenÕs craft items.

Collections presented an award to Roseann Carlson of Virginia Beach for inventorying every rock and mineral and creating a computer database for that collection. Kim Becker of Seaford received the Shell Pirate award for cataloging three large shell collections.

Tede Johnson of Newport News was recognized for her many years of tagging monarch butterflies.

Volunteer Services thanked the Junior League of Hampton Roads for sponsoring the Touch Tank and volunteering a regular shift there. Jeannie Lau, Lisa Gelhaar, Dolores Murphy, all of Newport News, and Jessica Misora of Williamsburg received the Eager Beaver Award for being new volunteers who have trained in several areas. Energizer Bunnies were presented to the following for volunteering 500 or more hours within the past year: Bob Ciraulo, Hampton, Christine Dimock, Newport News, Tede Johnson, Newport News, Sheila Kerr-Jones, York, and Naida Nelson, Newport News.

A total of 33 volunteers were recognized for reaching service milestones of 500 hours and above. Among those recognized for hours of service were:

• 9,500 hours, Tede Johnson of Newport News;
• 7,500 hours, Naida Nelson of Newport News;
• 4,000 hours, Larry Riddick of York County;
• 3,500 hours, Joe Domday of Newport News;
• 3,000 hours, Perry Bavera, Hampton; Kim Becker, York, and Jane Goldman, Hampton;
• 2,500 hours, Bob Ciraulo, Hampton; Christine Dimock, Newport News, and Jan Weinert, Hampton;
• 2,000 hours, Bettie Jo Scarpa, Newport News;
• 1,500 hours, Mary Dolores Ciraulo, Hampton, Bif Florey, Newport News, Sheila Kerr-Jones, York, Mary Jo Provenzano, Newport News, Patty Riddick, York, and Jack Slack, Newport News.
• 1,000 hours, Nelda Knobloch and Pat Morrell, both of Newport News.

During the past fiscal year, the museumÕs more than 350 volunteers contributed more than 38,190 hours in support of museum activities (the equivalent of 21 full-time employees). Volunteers present live animal shows, assist with special events and classroom programs, read stories to fascinated youngsters, help care for the animals, and carry the museumÕs message to festivals and fairs.

"Our volunteers are great! They give us their time willingly and help in so many ways. We could not run the museum without them," said Volunteer Director Shandran Thornburgh.

Call 757-595-1900 ext. 262 for more information about volunteering and an application or visit the Web site at www.thevlm.org.

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