Nature Center at Shaker Lakes Volunteer of the Year: Steve Kushnick

Ashley Hall
Marketing Coordinator
11/22/2019

Congratulations to the 2019 Volunteer of the Year, Steve Kushnick!

Nature Center staff and visitors can’t wait for Friday to come, when they know Steve will be reporting for his weekly shift as a Welcome Desk Volunteer!  Dubbed the “fun one,” Steve’s smile and energy light up the office in his role at the Welcome Desk, where he greets visitors and shares information about our trails and northeast Ohio native habitats. 

After 18 months with the Nature Center, there is no question about the impact he has made with the organization.  Steve embodies every aspect of a model volunteer: he is friendly, well-rounded and accepts all projects no matter what they involve – always with a smile that is extremely contagious. 

Our volunteer program is an essential part of our daily operations at the Nature Center and having Steve on our team in this role ensures visitors are engaged, and leave feeling happy and inspired by nature!  Children, especially, love interacting with Steve and Steve enjoys handing out stickers and scavenger hunts to them! 

Staff in our Education Department know they can count on Steve for help assisting with filing, organizing colored pencils and beads, cutting out paper for crafts, or any other special projects that he can do while at the Welcome Desk. Steve is also our “go-to” volunteer whenever event assistance is needed at the archery station. 

Steve is a retired Psychologist and long-time Shaker Heights resident. He has three grown children and six grandkids and enjoys spending time with his family. 

 

If you are inspired to volunteer, please visit our website at www.shakerlakes.org/volunteer.