CITY OF ROCHESTER LIBRARY WORKERS WIN WXXI GROUP VOLUNTEER AWARD

Rochester, N.Y.--  The local Public Broadcasting Station WXXI hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition event on Tuesday, July 20 at the station.  Members of Local 828 Unit 7420, the City of Rochester Library Workers, received the Group Award for their on-going efforts in assisting the nonprofit with it's membership drives.

Ove Overmyer, Local 828 VP and Unit President for the City of Rochester Library Workers says, "Our members understand how important it is to give back to our community.  Our mission at the library and with our union is completely consistent with the objectives of WXXI--we share the same belief that WXXI puts the community first with programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, opens cultural horizons and promotes understanding of diverse community issues.  We library workers honor that vision."

Pittsford’s Jim Sheldon received the 2009 Charles M. Wise Volunteer of the Year award at the celebration. Recognized for his outstanding dedication to the station, Sheldon and 150 WXXI volunteers attended the event.  A total of 350 volunteers donated more than 11,000 hours to the station in 2009. Other volunteers recognized at the awards ceremony included:

• Jack Hansen, of Rochester, who received the Jack of All Trades Award for his work on the Speaking of Women's Health Conference and WXXI's membership drives.

• Dolores Parlato, of Irondequoit, who received the Super Star Award for her work with Assignment: The World, Speaking of Women's Health Conference, and the Met Operas at the Movies.

• Bonnie Arnold, of Irondequoit, who received the Yeoman Award for her volunteer work at the WXXI booth at summer festivals, the Speaking of Women’s Health Conference, membership drives and WXXI Auction.

Photo above is Ove Overmyer staffing the phones at a recent WXXI membership drive. (photo by Bess Watts)