Peter Zierz, president of the Board of Directors for Pan Lutheran Ministries, has been named the 2009 Wake County Larry B. Zieverink Volunteer of the Year. Howard and Mary Jo Hobbs, volunteers at the Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center, got the award for 2009 Wake County Government Volunteer of the Year.

Gifts were presented to eleven award recipients during the Wake County Board of Commissioners’ Volunteer Awards Reception on Monday, November 16, 2009, at Marbles Museum. A total of 23 nominees were recognized during the event.

“Wake County is proud to honor these citizens for giving their time and talents back to the community – whether directly by connecting with a County service or department, or by being involved with one of the many wonderful organizations that work for the good of all Wake County citizens,” said Wake Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair Lindy Brown.

Zierz serves as president of the Board of Directors for Pan Lutheran Ministries, or PLM, the largest organization providing short-term housing for homeless families in Wake County. Through his leadership, he has encouraged the agency to increase its apartment units to house more families throughout the County. He has encouraged his family to take up the cause, including his children, who help him throw monthly birthday parties for the children currently using PLM’s assistance. He has brought positive financial direction to PLM and continues to serve diligently in any way he can.

In addition to winning this award, Peter was awarded the 2009 Medallion Award by Gov. Bev Perdue, the highest volunteering recognition in the state, for his efforts with PLM.

Howard and Mary Jo Hobbs volunteer their time with the Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center. They work with the Center to match pets with a citizen who is interested in adopting. They have become leaders at the Center, often taking on the role of training new volunteers. They are recognized as dependable and willing to assist with any task, including providing support during the busiest times.

The complete list of 2009 Commissioners’ Award winners includes:

· Martie Bauer, Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina

· Carol Bazemore, SAFEChild

· Bob Flaherty, Citizens Assisting Police Team

· Betsy Higgins, Raleigh Rescue Mission

· Vernon Janke, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

· James Langston, Capital Area Teen Court

· Jennifer MacKethan, Interact

· Kathy Parker, Duke Hospice and Home Care

· Mary Craven Poteat, Raleigh Rehab and Healthcare

· Ray and Alice Smith, Salvation Army

· Peter Zierz, Pan Lutheran Ministries Families Together, Inc.

Of these, Bazemore, Higgins, Janke, Langston, MacKethan and Zierz were named N.C. Governor’s Award winners.

For more information on volunteer opportunities in Wake County, visit www.wakegov.com/volunteer.