Thanks for what you do! Naples recognizes Rec volunteers

July 15th, 2022
NEVER TOO YOUNG— Torin Parritt, 12, was recognized as the 2022 Youth Volunteer of the Year Award. (Photo Courtesy of Kim Litchfield)

By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer 

NAPLES — Three people boarded the Songo River Queen II and were awarded before they returned to land.  

“The Naples Recreation and Community Activities Department celebrated the town volunteers who we feel are a huge part of making the town special,” according to Naples Community Activities Director Brian Crockett. 

More than 50 volunteers were invited to the summer-time outing. 

KATHY KEINATH received the 2022 Volunteer of the Year award, which was given to her by Naples Community Activities Director Brian Crockett. (Photo Courtesy of Kim Litchfield)

Three of those people were recognized with awards,

Torin Parritt, 12, was awarded the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award “for his assistance with coaching our kindergarten groups in both soccer and basketball,” Crockett said. 

Parritt’s “efforts in hanging the Causeway Christmas lights this year,” also earned him recognition from the department, he said. 

Corey Mitchell was awarded the Volunteer Coach of the Year Award “for his kid-first, positive coaching style that demonstrates a perfect balance of player development, fun, and life lessons,” Crockett said, adding, “Corey has coached baseball, football, and basketball.” 

COREY MITCHELL poses with the 2022 Volunteer Coach of the Year. Next to him is Naples Community Activities Director Brian Crockett. (Photo Courtesy of Kim Litchfield)

Kathy Keinath received the Volunteer of the Year Award “for her tireless work for the Naples community,” he said.  

“Kathy served on the Recreation Committee, and still serves as a true leader on the Land Use and Cemeteries committees. She was recognized for all of her efforts, particularly her work preserving pride in our history and respect for those who have passed with her work in the cemeteries,” Crockett said. 

The outing to celebrate volunteers took place on the Songo River Queen II on June 3.

“Though the weather was not ideal, we had around 120 guests including 52 volunteers and their families,” he said.  

“We provided appetizers from Annette’s Country Skillet, Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern, Subway, and Hannaford Plus, the Songo River Queen IIprovided some music for the evening,” he said. 

A handful of town staff and some of the folks who serve on the Naples Board of Selectmen joined the group “to help thank these important volunteers,” Crocket said.  

“Children and adults of all ages enjoyed the social event, and it is our hope to make it an annual event,” he said.