EVCNB Honors Two

The Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay honored two of its own at their 2020 Annual Meeting.

Velda Handler (l) listens to remarks about her work from fellow board members Margaret Steele and Peter Nunn.

Velda Handler, leader of the corps’ Shelter Program, was cited for organizing and conducting successful shelter exercises to engage both EVC and non-EVC volunteers in opening and operating shelters in case of a disaster. She oversaw the training of over 213 participants, 22 shelter managers, for three shelters and two emergency warming centers.

Handler’s efforts included collaboration, integration and support from multiple agencies at the county, state and national level. The American Red Cross invited the EVCNB to share its shelter and warming center processes to ensure seamless cooperation.

A registered nurse by training, Handler also serves as education coordinator for Medical Reserve Corps, and as assistant board secretary.

Paula Peek received the Bill Harshbarger Award for her work as co-founder of the EVCNB’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.

Paula Peek (c) receives her award from Karen Harshbarger, widow of Bill Harshbarger, as board member Jacki Hinton looks on.

Peek was described in a note from current CERT leader Jo Cooper as “the heart and driving force of the CERT program and an unflagging cheerleader for everyone involved in the program, from our dedicated teachers to our focused participants.”  

Peek is also a registered nurse by training and a former EVCNB board member.