Alaska’s First Lady Rose Dunleavy congratulated the recipients of the First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year Award at the ceremonial luncheon at the Governor’s Anchorage office. The First Lady and her selection committee continued the tradition of selecting this year’s seven honorees.
Anna DeVolld of Soldotna was among the seven honorees. She developed Promote Our Pollinators (P.O.P.), an environmental program to educate Alaskans about the importance of pollinators (i.e. butterflies, bees, bats, ladybugs, and hummingbirds). Throughout the past several years, DeVolld has held educational “Make and Take” presentations in schools senior centers, libraries, and community events. She gives a short lesson then participants plant their pollinator gardens with seeds selected for their ability to attract and sustain Alaskan pollinators. Participants receive flyers, activity books, P.O.P. logo buttons, bags, planting tags, and stickers.
She told KSRM in January that she has tweaked her pollinator packs:
“You’re going to see some different plants in it this year. I’m hoping to sell my curriculum kits and maybe some pollinator packs this upcoming year and developing a business plan. That’ll be new. I’m still maintaining the P.O.P website, the online course and the Facebook page.”
In addition, Nona Safra of Homer was recognized for her personal commitment to finding solutions for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who require assistance. Earlier this year she was recognized by Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor, Charlie Pierce, for her exceptional professionalism and commitment to Alaska’s senior citizens, Alaskans with disabilities, rural Alaskans, and Native Alaskans. Nona is a bright light to some of Alaska’s most vulnerable.
First Lady Dunleavy:
“Being an Alaskan means going above and beyond to help our neighbors and communities. This year’s honorees are remarkable pillars of the community. They dedicate their time, energy and talent to improve Alaskan’s lives. We live in a better Alaska because of these selfless honorees. My selection committee and I am proud to recognize this year’s volunteers.”
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