| Marilyn La Bollita, Rita
McCoy and Jean Whitaker Honored In 2002 more than 24,000 volunteers contributed
in excess of 1,084,000 hours of service throughout the various agencies and departments of
the County of Orange. These volunteer hours were valued at more than $24 million in
avoided cost for the County government. Three of our own were recognized at the seventh
annual County of Orange Volunteer Recognition ceremony on April 30th 2003. Nominated as
the "Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends Administration Team", Marilyn
LaBollita, Jean Whitaker and Rita McCoy were presented appreciation plaques by the Orange
County Board of Supervisors.
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| These three very dedicated volunteers understand the necessity and importance of
administrative support and serve diligently as the "Upper Newport Bay Admin
Crew". They handle numerous public inquiries, return phone messages, take tour
reservations, do database management, send press releases, and much more. Marilyn
LaBollita graduated in the1994 Naturalist class and has served 3,000 volunteer hours.
Marilyn spends a generous amount of time doing every type of administrative work thrown
her way. She also coordinates fun social activities such as our annual holiday party to
help make everyone feel part of the family. Marilyn is an avid birder and also loves to do
educational tours of the bay.
Rita McCoy also graduated in the 1994 Naturalist class and regularly provides a variety
of administrative support. Rita's real forte is conducting special request tours. She has
a talent for adapting her tours, whether on kayak or on foot, to an array of audiences
from students to reporters. Rita has served 800 volunteer hours.
Jean Whitaker became a Naturalist in 1999. Jean manages all of the group's database
information and collects metrics information, which is used to help secure funding and
support for education and restoration. Jean has always been inspired by the bay's
diversity of marine life and also conducts electric boat tours of the bay. Jean has served
800 volunteer hours.
Fifty two volunteers were honored and we were reminded by James Ruth, Interim County
Executive Officer that this group represents thousands of other volunteers who each day
ask the question, "What can I do to help?" Our response is, "How can we
thank you enough?" Sincere thanks to all of you for your selfless generosity and
dedication to the Bay.
Grace Yick
County Ranger |
