C.A.S.T. event rained-out, but not shut-out
"Cooler temperatures bring out the C.A.S.T. volunteer spirit," Phil Aurit, C.A.S.T. for Kids event coordinator, said recently. But he could also add that rain, wind, and even thunder and lightning heightens the spirit.
Regional employees are trained to quickly implement a Conduct of Operations Plan or an Emergency Action Plan, and the ability to execute such actions were very evident last Saturday when windy and inclement weather forced the event to be relocated from Lake Mead's Hemenway Harbor.
By 6 a.m., as volunteers began arriving at the entrance to Lake Mead, the message was being conveyed that the event had been moved to the banquet room of the Railroad Pass Casino and Hotel. The hotel's managers, long-time sponsors, who have provided breakfast for volunteers and provisions for the barbeque lunch, graciously offered the use of the hotel's banquet room to save the day.
"Following the tasty breakfast buffet," said Aurit, "plans were quickly improvised by volunteers from Reclamation, National Park Service, the Nevada Division of Wildlife, the Nevada Striper Club, as well as other volunteers, to provide a morning of activities for the event participants and their families."
As these preparations were made, a group of about a dozen volunteers drove back to Hemenway Harbor and dismantled the awnings before another threatening storm cell moved through the area.
"Thanks to this quick response only four awnings were destroyed," Aurit said, "but another four were damaged. Most importantly, no one was hurt."
By about 8:30 a.m., event participants began arriving at Railroad Pass Casino, some having received phone calls about the change in the event site, some having driven to Lake Mead and then been redirected at its entrance to the hotel.
"Upon arriving, participants were greeted with the same enthusiasm as previous events and treated to the breakfast buffet," said Aurit. "They then participated in fishing-related games and activities led by Ivy Santee of the Nevada Division of Wildlife and Bob Montgomery of the National Park Service.
"The kids got to cast and fish for plastic fish placed on the floor and were sworn in as Lake Mead Junior Rangers."
At late morning, the kids were presented the gifts, awards, and fishing gear they would have received had they been able to get out onto the lake.
Job Well Done
"Let me offer a heart-felt 'Thank You' to everyone that volunteered their time and worked so hard to make this year's C.A.S.T. for Kids event a success," said Deputy Regional Director Larry Walkoviak, "even though the weather greatly increased the level of difficulty!"
"I am so proud to be a co-worker with people that willingly give of their time and talent to help others. Each of you did a wonderful job of helping to make this a very good day for the CAST participants and their families.
"My wife told me that one of the families spoke to her about how great it was that the C.A.S.T. for Kids organizers had such an outstanding 'Plan B' ready and waiting to be implemented.
"Phil, you and your team did a great job," he said.
Combined Federal Campaign
Acknowledging the CFC fund raising effort underway in the Regional Office, Aurit reminded employees they may select the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation as a recipient for all or a portion of their CFC contributions, if they choose to participate in the campaign and choose to make a donation to C.A.S.T. for Kids.
Regional Office 2006 C.A.S.T. for Kids Volunteers included:
| Bill Arndt | | Phil Aurit | | Tony Baquera | | |
Mike Baker | | Jed Blake | | Becky Blasius | |
Jimmie Burke | | Tom Burke | | Allen Calvert | |
Joanna Capazzi | | Dave Chubb | | Bonnie Contreras | |
Patti Clinton | | Trish Delrose | | Chris Dodge | |
Greg Finnegan | | Ida Guffy | | Joe Kahl | |
April Kendall | | Janet Kirsch | | Steve León | |
Rick Malone | | Leah Masterson | | Rick Malone | |
Bill Martin | | Julie Martinez | | Leah Masterson | |
Cynthia Mcleod | | Crista Monaco | | Andi Montony | |
Jeremy Moore | | Theresa Olson | | Tina Osborne | |
Jim Owens | | David Palumbo | | Becci Rodgers | |
Nancy Rolfe | | Donna Ruiz | | Jim Stolberg | |
Kay Sundberg | | Matt Voisine | | Larry Walkoviak | |
Valerie Weisser | | Ty Wolters | | |
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(Click on a picture to enlarge)
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