Fw: November Newsletter for Volunteer Program

From: City of Raleigh <raleighnc(a)info.raleighnc.gov> Subject: November Newsletter for Volunteer Program To: cac-chair(a)eastraleigh.org Date: Thursday, November 13, 2014, 11:31 AM November Newsletter for Volunteer Program Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.Volunteer Program NewsletterNovember -  2014 Welcome New VolunteersPlease welcome two new volunteers, Stevens Prep Academy and Janet Metzger, to our Adopt-A-Park family. Stevens Prep Academy has adopted Honeycutt Park where they are participating in monthly litter pick up projects. Janet Metzger has recently adopted the Lake Lynn Greenway Trail where she is focusing on litter pick up and trail maintenance. Thanks to both of these volunteers for your hard work and participation in our Adopt-A-Park program.  Volunteers ReachOUT to Raleigh Parks Group volunteers are one of our departments greatest assets. ReachOUT NC has been one of the most involved groups during 2014. The group has had 46 volunteers give 118 hours of their time to the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. Volunteers assisted with three projects that included adding surfacing to the Biltmore Hills Playground, mulching Pullen Park, and Buffaloe Road Athletic Park.  ReachOUT also plans to have 22 volunteers participate in this year's Holiday ExpressReachOUT NC provides volunteer, social, and leadership opportunities for LGBT people and their allies.  Through performing service projects, ReachOUT NC strives to enhance LGBT visibility, promote goodwill, and unite communities throughout North Carolina.   The non-profit organization is comprised of a leadership team that oversees a diverse group of volunteers that come together on routine basis to complete service projects. Our department appreciates their continued support and looks forward to building a long lasting partnership. New Playground Built at Roberts ParkOn October 10, volunteers from the Realtor Foundation of the Triangle, RegEd, and local neighborhoods joined forces to help build a new playground at Roberts Park. This new playground unit for 2-5 and 5-12 year olds features rock climbing walls, drums, monkey bars, and much more. Without the financial contribution from the Realtor Foundation of the Triangle and all the volunteers hard work, this new play area for local Raleigh children would not be possible. The new Roberts Park playground is set to open in early December. Holiday Express Rolls into Pullen Amusement ParkJoin us as we transform Pullen Amusement Park into a Holiday Wonderland where participants can enjoy lights/displays, train rides, carousel rides, arts and crafts, and a visit with Santa . This year's Holiday Express will take place December 4-7 and 11-14. Volunteers are needed to assist with activity stations, welcoming and greeting families, and interacting with child participants. All volunteers must pre-register and attend the mandatory orientation on Monday, December 1 from 6:30-7:30pm at Pullen Community Center. This fun volunteer opportunity fills up fast so register online now!Volunteers Keep the Roses in Bloom This month we honor our dedicated Rose Garden volunteers. The Raleigh Rose Garden, located at 301 Pogue Street, is a hidden gem in downtown Raleigh. With over 60 beds that include different species of roses, this park is a great place for our community to enjoy the outdoors. During the past year, our 23 deadheaders have given over 383 hours of their time to maintain each of the rose beds. Thanks to their hard work and many hours of volunteer service,  our Raleigh community is able to enjoy this park.  November V.I.Ps From building a playground to spooktacular Halloween festivals and carnivals, our VIPs (volunteers in parks) made a huge impact on the Raleigh community. During the month of October, the department had 605 individuals volunteer 1,683 hours of their time at our city parks and special events. A big thanks to each of you for contributing your time, talents, and resources to the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department! Online Volunteer Profile Make sure you stay up-to-date with the Volunteer Program. Create your volunteer profile today!Volunteer Opportunities Check out these upcoming volunteer opportunities and register now!Cemetery Watch ProgramYouth Basketball CoachPullen ISCA Swim MeetOptimist ISCA Swim MeetSpecial Olympics Basketball Skills Group Projects Interested in coordinating a volunteer project for a group? Businesses, schools, churches and organizations are encouraged to contribute their time, talent and resources to our City Parks! Contact us to set up your personalized group volunteer project.  Volunteer Testimonials "CAHEC’ers were impressed and appreciative of the recognition and thoughtfulness shown by both of you and Parks Department.  I hope we are able to continue to work at Optimist Park for several years. I truly hope that you are able to encourage other companies to partner with the Parks Department to adopt a city park. There are benefits all around!  We have all enjoyed working at Optimist Park and to get to know each of you and work with the great City of Raleigh Parks Department.  What a great team!" "Yes I would volunteer with Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources again! Everyone was so wonderful and encouraging. I learned a lot and it was fun to help out!""I loved the interaction with the youth. They were so excited about the games and the treats they were able to win. The smiles on their faces were priceless." We want to hear from you! Let us know your comments and suggestions by completing our Volunteer Survey. Name that Raleigh Park Do you know the name of this City of Raleigh Park? Submit your answerDid you guess right? October's Name that Park was Nash Square! Congratulations to the volunteers who successfully identified the park. Visit the Volunteer Webpage for more information. Questions or comments? Contact Ashley Deans at ashley.deans(a)raleighnc.gov or 919-996-4810.  City of Raleigh  Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources  222 W. Hargett St.  Raleigh, NC 27601 This email was sent to cac-chair(a)eastraleigh.org using GovDelivery, on behalf of: City of Raleigh · 222 West Hargett St · Raleigh, NC 27601