For Immediate Release: June 26, 2018
Contact: Tory Frink, Clerk to Board (336) 570-4042
The Alamance County Board of Commissioners awarded the “Citizen Volunteer of the Year” and honored other volunteers for their service at a luncheon held on Thursday, June 22. Chair Amy Galey presented the top award to Earl Pickett, Social Services Board Member. He was among eight finalist for the award which was chosen by the county commissioners. Mr. Pickett is third recipient of this award and past winners: Rodney Cheek (2017) and Frank Bell (2016) were also in attendance.
Earl Pickett has been a dedicated member of the Social Services Board since his 2017 appointment through the NC Social Services Commission, whose mission is to promote closer working relationships between County Boards of Social Services. Earl upholds the mission to increase public understanding, acceptance and support of public assistance of social services programs. Earl has fulfilled and served in many capacities for Alamance County Citizens. Mr. Pickett successfully completed the Alamance County Sherriff’s Office Citizens Academy in 2016 as well Alamance County Government Academy to get a better understanding of the services that each county department provides to the community. Since his completion of these community-training opportunities, Earl has been actively participating and advocating for the citizens of Alamance County. Earl is a member of the Child Protection & Fatality Prevention Team of Social Services, where he tirelessly gives his time reviewing cases and identifying gaps in services in our community. During multiple reviews of cases, Earl has facilitated donations for social services families who are in need, through his local church (provided money for transportation for mother to transport her child back and forth to Duke Hospital). Mr. Pickett sits on the Board of Directors for the NC Association of County Board of Social Services, where he was elected by the membership during the October 2018 Annual Meeting to serve as Regional Director for Region II that serves five other counties. In this work, Mr. Pickett advocates for system needs for all DSS agencies across the state. Earl continues to make himself available to mentor young males through Graham Middle School and has offered his services to our Child Welfare Social Workers on several occasions for other young men in need. As a Social Services Board member, Earl is an advocate for Social Services, the citizens we serve and Alamance County Government.
Commissioner Eddie Boswell recognized the nominees for the “Honorable Mention” category and Commissioner Bob Byrd recognized the remaining boards/committees and their staff liaisons.
Citizen Volunteer of the Year Finalist:
- Virginia Gail Miller
- Charles Ansell
- Kelly May
- Foxie Harper
- Ashley Harris
- Lee Isley
- Ravi Balan
Honorable Mention:
- Rena Bennett
- Wilma Jean Gadison
- Gale Pettiford
Members of the following boards/committees were in attendance: Adult Care Home Community Advisory Council; Nursing Home Community Advisory Council; Planning Committee for Services to the Elderly; Board of Equalization and Review; Recreation and Parks Commission; Alamance County Planning Board; Historic Properties Commission; Social Services Board; and Voluntary Agriculture District Board.
The Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award was started in 2016 as a way to recognize volunteers for their commitment and passion for helping others; and honoring an exemplary volunteer who has shown outstanding service to the county. The finalist have to serve on a board or committee that is appointed by the County Commissioners. The County Commissioners review each nomination and make a selection based on the volunteer’s leadership, service and efforts in improving the quality of community life.
Information on serving on a county board/committee can be found on the county website at: https://www.alamance-nc.com/boardscommittees/ .
