Three longtime teen volunteers were honored for their years of service at the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District’s annual meeting on March 9. Lauren Babich, Kate Houghton and Ava Solange have been devoted volunteers at various events over the past five years, and their commitment has been especially vital to the operation of Downtown Sounds. The three teens are graduating this spring and are therefore passing the reins on to the next group of volunteers.
As a nonprofit organization that produces special events for the Glen Cove community, the Downtown BID relies upon its volunteers to make all events run smoothly. They help with set up and break down of all events, plus put up the feather flags at every Downtown Sounds concert; work the game stations at the Halloween Parade and Festival; and serve the hot cocoa and treats at the Holiday Festival, among other duties.
“These girls have been invaluable,” said Patricia Holman, executive director of the BID. “It has been such a pleasure working with them and a joy to watch them grow and mature. But most importantly, I’ve been able to count on them to be there, to work hard and to act professional at our events over the past five years. They will all be greatly missed, but I know they will do well as they move on to college.”
During the meeting the three teens were presented with gifts from the Downtown BID and citations from the offices of Leg. Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Assemblyman Charles Lavine and Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck, all of whom thanked them for their service to the community.
Lauren Babich began volunteering for the Downtown BID as an eighth-grader, and though a busy student athlete, she has made time to help out at all three events over the years – and always with a smile on her face.
Kate Houghton began volunteering as a high school freshman and has proven to be extremely valuable. She is one of the hardest workers, always ready to lend a hand and never backing down from a challenge.
Ava Solange has proven her commitment to the BID in numerous ways, from showing up at nearly every event to organizing the other volunteers to handling social media. Ava has not only volunteered her time by being at events, but also her creativity, through the creation of videos, TikTok and Instagram posts used to promote the BID and BID events. Her commitment to the BID began in eighth grade, and by ninth grade she had formed the Compassion to Action volunteers by assembling a group of reliable teens that can work hard with little direction.
“I didn’t know what I was getting myself into – it was a big job and the job was all the little things behind the scenes that look like they just happen from the outside,” Ava shared. “I truly started because my mom needed volunteers, but it turned into one of the best decisions I’ve made. Along the way I learned leadership, persistence, communication, hard work, and most of all people skills. I would not be the same person that I am without having the opportunity to volunteer and lead volunteers.”
Taking over as lead volunteer for the Downtown Sounds 2023 concert season is Elena DeAngelis, currently a high school junior, who volunteered for the 2022 season. She has also proven herself to be reliable and committed, and also has a positive attitude that will make for a good leader.
“I wish Elena DeAngelis the best of luck in taking over as a volunteer leader,” Ava said. “After seeing her volunteer this past summer, I know that she will take on the responsibility with determination and spirit.
“It’s bittersweet to sign off my responsibilities,” Ava continued. “I will not miss the five hours on my feet (in the heat), and the unpredictable situations that come along the way. However, I will always miss and be thankful for the people it has brought into my life like my fellow volunteers, the regulars at the events, the opportunities, lessons, and the nights of dancing with my friends after a day of hard work.”
