Preservation Parks wouldn't be where it is without our cadre of dedicated volunteers. Occasionally, we honor one of the volunteers with our thanks and a chance to tell us a little about him- or herself.

Ken, Kathy and Amanda Varian

Resides in:
Delaware, Ohio

Family:
Delaware, Ohio

Where are you from originally:
Ken is originally from Yonkers, N.Y., but his family moved to Columbus when he was 11. Kathy is originally from Chicago, but moved to Columbus about fifteen years ago. Amanda was born in Columbus. We moved to Delaware in 2006.

Occupation:
Ken: CPA

Kathy: The teacher, formerly known as an Accountant

Amanda: 1st Grade


Q:  What is your favorite Preservation Park? Why?
We love hiking the trails at all the parks. Our favorite is Gallant Woods Preserve. It’s closest to home and we love the sledding hill.

Q:  What's your favorite spot in the park?
We love to hike Acorn trail.

Q:  How did you get involved with the park district?
In the summer of 2008, Ken came across a volunteer newsletter at work that contained a request for volunteers for the Perseid meteor shower campout. We had already registered to attend this event, so Ken jumped at the opportunity.

Kathy jumped in by volunteering for most of the hound hikes. Amanda got her start by cutting out butterflies for the Delaware County Fair.

Q:  What do you do for fun?
We love hiking, camping, barbequing and visiting the Columbus Zoo. Amanda plays soccer, loves to dance and enjoys splashing around at the pool.

Q:  Favorite travel destination?
Kathy loves going home to Chicago. For Ken, he loves camping under the dark skies at Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania. Amanda loves going to the Ocean to look for seashells.

Q:  If you like road trips, describe your favorite.
We would much rather fly when we can afford to, although Kathy is always up for a good road trip.

Q:  What's the last book you read?
Ken just finished the “The House of Dimon”, a book about the CEO of his employer. Kathy Is currently takes courses at the University of Dayton so she is reading textbooks. Amanda participated in the Summer Reading Program last summer at the library. She read more than 50 books!

Q:  What's your favorite restaurant?
Ken is a big fan of Bravo. Amanda is fond of McDonalds. Kathy loves Gino East and Lou Malnati’s, both in Chicago. She would rather have Chicago pizza for Valentine’s Day then roses!

Q:  What else do you want people to know about you?
We are honored to have been selected as Volunteers of the Year. We know there are many park volunteers that are worthy of that distinction. We love the parks and all the wonderful people we have met!!

Kathy also loves rescuing hurt animals. She has been known to pull over on the side of the road on any given day to help crows, bunnies, and even a possum. In fact, recently she saved a possum from where she works. There were kids throwing things at it at school. She had a cat carrier in the back of her car and she was able to get it to go in. She rushed it to the Wildlife center in Dublin, and they fixed him all up and he was released back into his habitat. Thanks to Rita for her advice and support!