Hall of Fame

Recognition

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November 2009

Congratulations to the 2009 V/F/F/T Pioneers Hall Of Fame inductees! This awards program was conceived to honor the "Best of the Best." The Pioneers selected for this honor have generously provided many years of their time and talents to serving their communities. The recipients were recognized at the V/F/F/T Pioneer Conference in Reston, VA, Nov. 6-8, 2009.

Special thanks to the Administration KOC team headed up by Ann Cove (administrative chair), Gabe Olah (awards chair), Diane Rodger (program chair), and Steve Kohn (president-V/F/F/T Pioneers). Thanks also to Paul Redline, president of the Maryland Chapter, for taking the photographs.

Carol Baker

Carol, joining the Pioneers in 1991, is the president of the Providence Club. Carol's leadership efforts have directly affected employee volunteerism in the local school system by having employees and Pioneer volunteers distribute 800 Verizon Pioneer branded dictionaries, Scholastic books, backpacks and pencils to inner city school children. She champions domestic violence prevention and awareness by enlisting employees and members to be involved in projects such as the creation of Health Kits and Pajama distributions to shelters and the Women's Center of Rhode Island.

Carol has been the driving force for two related projects over the past three years. C.A.S.T. for Kids partners with agencies that treat children with chronic illnesses and the Rhode Island Bass Fisherman's Association for a day out fishing. Carol and her team purchase and assemble goody bags for all the children, provide breakfast and lunch for more than 200 children and adults. They also take pictures of each child for a picture button and a plaque. After the first year was such a success, the organizers from C.A.S.T. asked Carol if Pioneers would consider funding and volunteering for a June Alumni cookout. Without hesitation, Carol and her team agreed. Each year this event has grown and this past year Carol and her team cooked and served more than 100 attendees of the Alumni Cookout.

For the past two years, Carol assisted with the distribution and reading of Fairy House Books to more than 100 campers at a local Girl Scout camp. Each year the returning campers have asked to build Fairy Houses. She works closely with the RI Women's Center by providing much-needed supplies by conducting drives at company locations in conjunction with the "Shower for Shelters" program. During her club's luncheons, she solicits for food, health and beauty aids, pajamas and books for the clients at the shelter. Carol assists with membership drives during Pioneer Open House and Pioneer Week. She partners with local Union sponsored events such as Verizon's Work & Family day. Each year Carol assists with the 20 Week Club fundraiser. Carol has received the Pioneer of the Year Award and the Chapter Spirit of Service Award.