A Note from VIP Supervisor, Corina Sadler ...
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Celebrating 35 Years of VIP
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This spring brought many milestones to the VIP program. I was proud to celebrate 10 years of service with the City of Plano while at the same time ushering in VIP’s 35
th
year of creating impactful relationships between staff and volunteers which enhance our excellent city services. Mayor LaRosiliere read a proclamation on Monday, April 23 emphasizing the contributions volunteers bring to Plano, strengthening our community, advancing vital social concerns and enhancing the quality of life for all our citizens. Thank you for three and a half decades of Volunteers in Plano. Here's to many more!
With Gratitude,
Corina Sadler, CVA
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Volunteer with us! Volunteering improves the lives of Plano residents, while providing fulfillment and interaction for volunteers. Current volunteer needs are continually updated at
VIP online.
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ESL Volunteers at Harrington Library
Seeking English as a Second Language (ESL) volunteers on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30p.m. No prior teaching experience is required. The nonprofit partner, Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT), trains volunteers on how to teach ESL classes. Next session runs from Monday, May 14 and ends on Wednesday, August 1.
Learn more.
Hike Through History
Hosted by the Interurban Railway Museum, Hike Through History on Saturday, June 2, takes history buffs for a leisurely and enlightening stroll through historic Plano, highlighting some of our city's most unique spots of interest. Three spots available for tour guides and nine for timekeepers to keep the hike moving between 8 - 10a.m. Contact
Rebecca Finberg.
Get Involved with Neighborhood Services
Special Events
Interested in volunteering for one-time events in Plano? Email
volunteersinplano@plano.gov to be added to the Special Event List to hear about Downtown Plano, City of Plano and Visit Plano events.
More opportunities
For more volunteer options, visit our
website.
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Congratulations to Rebecca Finberg, MPA
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Congratulations to Volunteer Resources Coordinator Rebecca Finberg who graduated with her Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Texas. Rebecca graduated at the top of her cohort, having completed courses on a wide range of subjects specializing in non-profit and local government management. Rebecca’s educational background complements her seven years of experience managing volunteers in the non-profit sector and brings professionalism and a passion for service to the Volunteers in Plano program.
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Volunteers Make Huge Impact on Local Litter
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Whether it's accidental or intentional, litter happens. If it's not picked up, it finds its way into the storm drains which lead directly into our creeks, waterways and eventually our water supply. The Community Cleanups program through Sustainability and Environmental Education hosts periodic group cleanups so volunteers can band together to fight litter and Keep Plano Beautiful.
In just three waterway cleanup events 362 volunteers picked up 5,320 pounds of litter. Applause to everyone for getting out and keeping our waterways free of litter.
There's always an opportunity to be part of the solution by volunteering for Live Green in Plano's fun, purposeful
litter cleanup events
which are perfect for individuals, families, corporate teams and faith-based groups.
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Library Internship Leads to Great Things
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Every year hundreds of teens volunteer across the five Plano Libraries with various volunteer activities and special committees. The Digital Creation Space (DCS) helmed by Bob Loftin at Haggard Library is one of our most creative teen volunteer opportunities. Below is a testimonial from one of Bob’s DCS high school interns. The power of volunteering propels our teen volunteers to achieve great things! Congratulations Durga.
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Dear Bob,
I wanted to thank you for allowing me to be a DCS intern. It has allowed me many opportunities. I applied for the National Center for Women in Information and Technology program. They give out scholarship money to girls who use technology to benefit the community.
I told them about how we promote the Digital Creation Space so others can come and use technology to create some fascinating objects. Because of DCS I won a conference to NCWIT's campus in Texas and I won scholarship money. Because of my DCS internship it has helped me to understand technology better and to become an advocate for others to use technology.
I am planning to pursue a degree in Computer science because of my positive experience volunteering at Haggard. I would like to thank you personally for allowing me this leadership opportunity. Your support without interference has taught me to make good decisions in building teams and pursuing projects in a collaborative environment. You are always helpful without overtaking. I will continue to promote the libraries and be an intern as long as I am allowed. My younger sister, Ambika, is hoping to join the DCS intern program next year.
Again, thank you for being a great mentor.
Sincerely,
Durga Nagarajan
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Plano Podcast Features VIP Volunteer
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Awesome Plano Animal Shelter volunteer, Beth Felker was featured on Episode 29 of Plano Podcast. In this episode Beth addressed the issue of vulnerable animals in Plano.
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Organizations Give Back to Plano
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Thank you to the following business and student organizations who teamed up to give back to our community.
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Allstate volunteers at Haggard Library.
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Bank of America volunteers at Davis Library.
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John Paul II High School students volunteer at Haggard Library.
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VPay volunteers at the Plano Animal Shelter.
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Congratulations to Interurban Railway Museum’s Marilyn Montoro and Jack Durnin for receiving the Russell Kissick Volunteer of the Year award and the Maggie Sprague
Historic Preservation Award, respectively.
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Congratulations to David Reed, Animal Shelter Volunteer of the Year. David is a dedicated dog exerciser who has been with the shelter for eight years.
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VIP Volunteer Supervisor of the Year
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Once a year VIP selects one staff member who exemplifies our mission and truly brings the community together by empowering volunteers in their department. This year Holly Ryckman was selected from Davis Library as VIP Supervisor of the Year.
“I truly respect and treasure the relationships I have made with our volunteers,” said Ryckman. “The Plano Public Library values their input and contributions they make daily to our community. Our volunteers make a lasting impact on the library, our patrons and staff by selflessly giving their time.”
If you drop by Davis Library, stop and tell Holly congratulations!
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Dr. Gil Lee, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas has been a Plano volunteer for the last 10 years. He hosts Harrington Library Math Tutoring through his nonprofit IntelliChoice, Inc. VIP presented him with the Legacy Program Award which he shared with all of the math tutors who give their time every Tuesday night tutoring students in math.
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Dr. Lee was recently given the Meritorious Achievement Award in Informal Education from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Education and Activities Board.
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Plano Public Library Volunteer of the Year
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Congratulations to Library Volunteer of the Year, Debbie Mosser who volunteers at Haggard Library. She has been a dedicated Library Technical Services volunteer for the last 14 years scanning hundreds of books as part of the withdrawal process. Staff agree Debbie is truly an asset to the library.
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Plano Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Awards
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Congratulations to Lenisa Muscarella, PCPAAA Rookie of the Year.
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Congratulations to Donna Petty, PCPAAA Volunteer of the Year.
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Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
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Kenny’s Steak House
Kenny’s East Coast Pizza
Kenny’s Burger Joint
Dude, Sweet Chocolate
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DFW
Benihana
Dillas - Plano
Frisco Rough Riders
Jump Street
Market Street
Tangerine Salon
ZaLat Pizza
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