Friends celebrate Doris Dale Volunteer of the Year

The annual Volunteer of the Year award, given to an outstanding Briar Bush Nature Center volunteer, was given a new name in time for the 2009 presentation. The Doris Dale Volunteer of the Year award was so named for one of the original Friends of Briar Bush board members and long-time BBNC volunteer. Among other valuable contributions, Doris Dale spent many years keeping Friends memberships up-to-date, sending each member handwritten notes.

The 2009 Doris Dale Volunteer of the Year award was presented at the annual Volunteer and Donor Recognition Party on Dec. 8. Recipients were Jay Viola, an adult volunteer who works with Montgomery County youth, and Ani Schug, a youth volunteer who has spent the past two summers doing grounds work and assisting with summer camps as a Camp Aide.

The Briar Bush staff was very excited to choose these two well-deserving volunteers who have put in countless hours.


For the first time, the 2009 Doris Dale Volunteer of the Year award was given to two recipients: an adult and a youth volunteer. Executive Director Dede Long (left) presents the newly renamed award to Jay Viola (center) and Ani Schug (right).