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Ron and Jeri Carford are ambassadors for the Lowry Park Zoo on and off the grounds.
By FREDDIE HUDSON
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 30, 2001
TAMPA -- At Lowry Park Zoo, Ron and Jeri Carford are known as the dynamic duo.
They maintain and organize the agency's resource center and create monthly bulletin boards for the discovery center. They are mentors to new volunteers, presenting the training program, writing articles for the newsletter and maintaining the agency's volunteer directory.
Their other duties include mounting skeletons of snakes and turtles, cataloging skulls, bones and feathers, conducting the Reptile Encounter or monitoring the Lorikeet Aviary. They also help with special events.
According to the organization's volunteer coordinator, these two volunteers "are ambassadors for Lowry Park Zoo both on and off the grounds. They truly believe in the mission and goals of the zoo, and their dedication is apparent."
Jeri Carford says they are committed to "furthering the public's appreciation of the wondrous creatures with whom we share this planet." They also volunteer at the Florida Aquarium, conducting animal encounters and leading tours. And they are ushers at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Little wonder that they received the RSVP Volunteer of the Year Award in 2000.
The Carfords moved to Apollo Beach in 1988, after Ron retired as a 23-year pilot for TWA. They have been married 43 years and have three adult sons.
- Write to Hillsborough County RSVP c/o Seniority, the Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: (813) 272-5031
Volunteer Center of Hillsborough: (813) 274-0909
HRS Volunteer Services: (813) 871-7097