Recipients are Dru Thompson, Silvio Bucci, all 12 Ashe County Volunteer Fire Departments as a group, and Zara Worley.
Dru Thompson was nominated as program driver and advocate for Ashe Family Literacy. He transports students in the Family Literacy program to and from Family Central. His nomination (in part) reads: “Dru Thompson is in the business of encouragement. He is an advocate – a source of strength and a consummate organizer. Dru dedicates his life to helping people and he asks for nothing in return. He quietly works behind the scenes to orchestrate successful programs and projects that make a huge difference in the lives of many people. He looks for gaps in services and fills those gaps, and no challenge is too big.”
Silvio Bucci was nominated for his volunteer work at Riverview Community Center for over 10 years. His nomination (in part) reads: “Technology is in short supply in this area. If a minor electrical problem exists that does not require a licensed electrician, Silvio takes care of it, If a minor plumbing problem exists that does not require a licensed plumber, Silvio takes care of it. Any time there is a work day at the community center, he has lists of ‘to do items’ and helps assemble teams and give guidance and leadership.” He volunteers with the center’s meal programs, learning center, and helps local people with maintenance and outdoor projects.
Zara Worley was nominated as activity assistant / business office assistant at Villages of Ashe Assisted Living. Her nomination (in part) reads: “In 2011 Zara has volunteered an average of 5 hours a week. She is 14 years old and attends Ashe County Middle School. Her vivacious personality keeps the residents smiling. Although she has lots of friends, she always finds time to volunteer to help our residents. Zara has been volunteering since she was 12 years old, not only at Villages of Ashe but also at our sister community, Deerfield Ridge, in Boone. In the business office, her ability to take instructions and follow them to the letter shows her maturity, intelligence and comprehension beyond 14 years of age.”
Ashe County’s 12 Volunteer Fire/Rescue Departments’ nomination reads: “This group of volunteers choose to spend their personal time in both training as well as responding to emergency calls. What is amazing to me, is that even though they are off duty, when the alert tones go off, they do not give pause, they simply grab their gear and go. They leave their family gatherings, their supper on the table, or their warm bed, and they respond at all times of the day and night, it doesn’t matter. They don’t know if they are on their way to a false alarm, to just a minor accident, or if it’s a major event that could put them in harm’s way, it doesn’t really matter, they will get there and they will give it all they’ve got and they will make a difference. For their dedication to public service and our community, I say ‘thank you’.”
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award was first given in 1979. This year marks the 34th anniversary of a program that showcases North Carolina’s most dedicated volunteers. Through the years, North Carolinians have proven their concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in their local communities, and in response, many have been nominated for the Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service.
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