The recipient of this week's Ben's Bell is environmental planner and landscape architect Lori Woods.
She was nominated by her staff at Recon Environmental who wrote: "Our boss, Lori Woods, shows her kindness and consideration in small and large ways. She brings in flowers for each of us to brighten our day or to celebrate the season. She leaves thoughtful notes on our desks to celebrate our achievements or when she knows we've faced personal or professional stresses. She surprises us with lunch or pie to show her support and appreciation for us. Whenever we have a personal issue or emergency, she is quick to ease our worries about work responsibilities.
"Despite any of her own stresses, tiredness or heavy workload, she is always kind, considerate and gracious. She helps lift our spirits when we are down and constantly inspires us. And without a doubt, her kindness extends beyond our small work environment. Her kindness is inherent."
People are also reading…
Though Woods' gestures of appreciation are small, they have a big impact on the staff, said employee Sharon Wright-Harris.
"They are little-bitty things that may not happen every day, but little thank-yous to acknowledge and appreciate us for the work we do even though the work we do isn't above and beyond what we are called upon to do."
Woods credits the example set by her parents as well as friends and colleagues for influencing her.
"I really value and treasure the staff I work with and the people I have worked with at Recon have been really supportive role models," said Woods. "Getting the Ben's Bell has inspired me and others at Recon to go down to Ben's Bells and have Recon Day to continue to support the concept behind that. It definitely has a ripple effect."
The project
Ben's Bells promote kindness and community. It was started in 2003 by the family of Ben Maré Packard as a way to honor the 2-year-old who died of croup a year earlier.
Each week a person who betters Tucson is "belled." Go to www.bensbells.org/BellingForm to submit a name. Go to www.bensbells.org or call 628-2829 for information. Recipients also are featured on Friday's Morning Blend on KGUN 9.
Contact reporter Kimberly Matas at kmatas@azstarnet.com or at 573-4191.
Lake Mead's drops raise prospect of unaffordable Hoover Dam electricity
