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#HOWWEACTIVATESJ: PRNS’ OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS AWARDED AT ANNUAL VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT
Volunteers Celebrate Civic Engagement and Volunteerism at Lake Cunningham to Honor Top Volunteer Awardees.
*This is a special feature from the City of San José, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
"What's wrong with me cleaning it up if I see the need?"
Patricia Lewis, a San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) 2024 Volunteer Recognition Awardee, with that simple statement captured the spirit of selflessness and civic pride in earning her this award.
PRNS’ ActivateSJ strategic plan has five key guiding principles. One of them is Stewardship, which means taking care of what we have and investing in the future.
Our residents and community are part of that plan. Volunteers are critical to completing important work that cannot be accomplished with City resources alone. Partnering with the community to invest their time and skills in our shared vision and mission helps us manage our resource challenges and bring San José together.
On May 16, Lake Cunningham Regional Park's Cypress Pavilion was filled with nearly 400 hard-working volunteers and staff members from PRNS programs to celebrate this year’s annual volunteer awardees.
The celebration honored the dedication of amazing volunteers who give back to their community and make a difference in their city.
Attendees danced joyously in the warm, sunny weather to celebrate our community service volunteers!
BeautifySJ presented awards to Lewis and ASEZ WAO for their efforts in improving public spaces.
ASEZ WAO partnered with BeautifySJ for numerous cleanups and beautification events making our city’s public spaces more sustainable for future generations.
Lewis and her husband took quick action to clean up Chynoweth Avenue under the Highway 87 freeway overpass. This not only made our city more beautiful but also inspired more people to get involved with BeautifySJ.
"We have seen an increase in volunteers at BeautifySJ, driven by community engagement in beautifying our city. I encourage everyone to join and experience how good it feels to help," Community Activity Worker Luz Juarez said.
Margaret Chen was honored by Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ) for dedicating over 850 hours of guest services, animal care, and staff support to the park and its programs.
They also recognized Staci Lee's for her excellent work in the zoo’s daily operations. Lee was one of the first people to resume her volunteer work after the challenges of COVID, showing her passion and love for volunteering at the park
Our attendees enjoyed a buffet of food during this outdoor event.
"Yesterday, we capped off a 6-year beautification project. The mural depicts the history of San José, from the Ohlone Indians to computer chips. Check it out!" Noel shared.
Our community center volunteers are just as essential in serving our community. Jasmine Shone, recognized by Seven Trees Community Center, dedicated nearly ten years to teaching cooking classes, assisting with Senior Programs, and maintaining the Seven Trees Patio Garden.
Luzia Lewis, a volunteer at Berryessa Community Center, was applauded for contributing over 25 years of her time to the community center, serving as an avid Senior Nutrition Program helper.
Cypress Advisory president John Mendez was awarded for actively seeking services and programs that interest our older adult and disabled residents and keeping the community engaged.
"It's always good to see people from our centers who volunteer. They do a lot of great work for us!" Recreation Program Specialist Edwardson Sabando said.
Our attendees witnessed a wonderful Bachata and Salsa performance at our Volunteer Recognition event!
ActivateSJ’s mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. To learn more about our department’s plan and vision to move forward, visit activatesj.org.