Castle Pines residents receive national honor
Loralee Kaschinske and Martha Beck.
Beverly Byrd and Molly Beck
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Douglas County Libraries
Volunteering over the past year, four Castle Pines residents were recognized by Douglas County Libraries (DCL) on July 28 for their service and commitment to the libraries. Each award winner received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a letter from President Barack Obama, and a lapel pin designating their hours of service.
Those honored were adult volunteers Martha Beck, Beverly Byrd, and Loralee Kaschinske, and teen volunteer Molly Beck.
These national awards were organized under the George W. Bush administration by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The awards honor those who, by their commitment, inspire others to engage in volunteerism.
“I am honored to receive this award,” stated Loralee Kaschinske. “What I give comes back ten-fold, and I enjoy every minute I am at the Castle Pines Library. I interact with wonderful people of all ages, make new friends, and love being part of the community. Literacy is so very important, from our children to the seniors in our neighborhoods. The libraries offer something for everyone and they are fantastic.”
Ali Ayres, DCL’s district volunteer service supervisor reaffirmed the importance of the volunteers. “The award ceremony was a chance for Douglas County Libraries to honor our most committed volunteers with one of the nation’s most prestigious awards. All of the volunteers set a standard for service, encourage a commitment to civic participation, and inspire others to make service a central part of their lives.”
Overall, 101 award-recipient volunteers were recognized. These recipients contributed 14,000 hours to DCL’s total of 40,000 volunteer hours for the 2014 year. Working at the DCL’s seven branches, the volunteers shelved materials, read to children at Douglas County daycare facilities, tutored students in English as a second language, told stories to children at Douglas County schools, assisted with library events, posted book reviews, polished discs, and their various tasks.
Congratulations and thank you to these admirable volunteers who were recently recognized for their behind-the-scenes support of literacy throughout our community. Each received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a letter from President Barack Obama, and a lapel pin designating their hours of service.
