DIANA SHIKIAR NAMED “VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR” - 2007

Our annual Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a club member who has exemplified what giving back to the club really means. This year's award also recognizes that club member not only for what she has done this year, but also what she has contributed to the Club over many years. We are pleased to honor Diana Shikiar as our Volunteer of the Year of 2007.

As club members, each one of us has been affected in some way by Diana. As Volunteer Coordinator, she was responsible for getting folks on board to assist with a multitude of club activities. But she didn't just ask others to volunteer. She led by example. She volunteered her services, time, home, and creativity over the years for just about every club activity. If you still can't place her, she was the creative source of the dancing series; the originator of the silent auction at our anniversary parties; decorator supreme for a number of these parties; coordinator or co-coordinator of the anniversary party for the last four years. Are you a new member? Diana brought before the Board the idea of sponsoring New Member Dinners which she then went on to create, organize, and host. Have you enjoyed the Dining Club these last few years? Thank Diana for hearing the idea and creating ongoing dining experiences. Don't forget the Women's Club, which prompted another member to start a Men's Book Club. Our 'club' jersey and matching outfit? Diana planted the seed and made this happen along with other club merchandise. Maybe you've met Diana leading rides, especially the D/C/C* rides early each riding season, . the Monday night summer rides or on the Amagansett or Vermont tours that she has led.

Yet the contribution that resonates most deeply and personally for her is the formation of the Outreach Committee. After she heard of a member who was injured and needed assistance, and then discovered that club members were unaware of this, Diana created Outreach. This committee truly speaks to what our club and Diana are all about-a community of caring. Thank you, Diana, for all that you have done for the BTCNJ, for our riders, and for a multitude of individuals whom you have included in your life .

~ BTCNJ Executive Board