English garners Zelienople Volunteer of the Year Award
ZELIENOPLE — Borough leaders during a meeting on Monday, July 14, carried on a tradition of paying tribute to an individual who best exemplifies what the community has to offer.
Mayor Thomas Oliverio presented resident Penny English with the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award for her work in enhancing the Zelienople Community Park through several gardening initiatives.
“It’s really great to be recognized for beautifying your community and gardening,” said English, who moved into the borough with her husband in 2009. “It’s a real honor.”
What started as a simple plan to improve two garden beds back in 2011 quickly expanded to other areas of the park that needed a face lift, including new beds in front of the pool, behind the restrooms and near the tennis courts and exit.
“It has just snowballed, but snowballed in a great way,” she added.
In recent years, she has spearheaded a partnership with students from Seneca Valley’s Ryan Gloyer Middle School to begin planting a host of redbud trees throughout the park. One day when the trees mature enough, English said she hopes to hold a redbud festival that celebrates the effort.
English, who was nominated by the community park’s advisory board, is the 11th person to claim the award.
“Since I became park manager, Penny has been an incredible resource, sharing her knowledge of plants, flowers and landscaping around the park with me, our park staff and volunteers,” park manager Lyndsey Granata said in a news release. “I can always rely on her knowledge, hard work and enthusiasm when it comes to maintaining the park’s aesthetics.”
Zelienople officials kick started the program in 2014, with the idea of honoring individuals who make everyday life easier while participating in the ongoing improvement of the community.
