Save the Manatee Club's Board of Directors, along with Crystal River officials, Citrus County Commissioner Joyce Valentino, and area residents and conservationists met at the Port Hotel in Crystal River, FL, recently to honor Judith Vallee for 21 years of dedication and outstanding service as the Club's Executive Director. 

Helen Spivey, Co-Chair of the Club's Board of Directors and Patrick Rose, the Club's new Executive Director, presented Judith with a beautiful hand-painted commemorative plaque. The plaque was a surprise as was the special cake Judith received later in the evening. "We are so pleased that Judith will continue to be involved with Save the Manatee Club in her part-time position as Development Director," said Spivey. "She is a true friend of the manatees." 

Helen Spivey, Co-Chair of the SMC Board of Directors, and SMC Executive Director Patrick Rose (at right) present former SMC Executive Director Judith Vallee (left) with a special plaque of recognition for her 21 years of dedication and service to Save the Manatee Club and to manatees. (Photo by Terry Nearing.)

(l-r) Mary Granata, Group Chair of Naturecoast Sierra Club, and Crystal River Mayor Ron E. Kitchen gathered with Spivey and Rose to honor Vallee. (Photo by Terry Nearing.)