COLUMBUS, OH - The contributions of 113 dedicated volunteers to statewide boating safety and education were spotlighted during a special volunteer recognition banquet hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft.
In 2004, these 113 volunteers donated 2,081 hours of service, saving taxpayers more than $35,000 in in-kind support. They taught Ohio Boating Education Course classes, also specialized classes in canoeing, sailing and the use of personal watercraft. They also administered boater education proficiency tests and worked at regional boat shows and the 2004 Ohio State Fair.
The following volunteers reached milestones of participation and received special honors:
- Robert Pfister (Galena) - 1,750 hours
- Dr. Thomas Martin (Springfield) - 1,500 hours
- Mary Hughes (Galena) - 100 hours
- Shane McGinty (University Heights) - 100 hours
- Pauline Kelley (Columbus, zip code 43229) - 60 hours
- David Lees (Solon) - 60 hours
- Marva McCall (Columbus, zip code 43229) - 60 hours
- Sherre Shields (Columbus, zip code 43231) - 60 hours
- Adrian Shriver (Columbus, zip code 43231) - 60 hours
- Kevin Tschantz (Columbus, zip code 43235) - 60 hours
- Ruth Wilcox (Columbus, zip code 43219) - 60 hours
- David Yourkvitch (Columbus, zip code 43229) - 60 hours
The Division of Watercraft’s volunteer program, established in 1983, aims to keep recreational boating a safe and enjoyable activity for all Ohioans. Additional information about ODNR’s 14 volunteer programs that involve boating, water, forestry, natural areas, soil, parks and wildlife resources is available on the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com.