Tom and Debbie Long are the City of Merriam’s Park and Recreation 2019 Volunteer of the Year recipients.
One can usually find Tom, who has a degree in photojournalism, and Debbie clicking away on their cameras at various Parks and Recreation events. Though this year has been quiet, 2019 was full of community events, including the Turkey Creek Festival and Merriam Drive Live.
The couple moved to the Quail Creek area in 2011. The volunteer photographers said they enjoy giving back to the community by taking pictures for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.
“We know how important volunteers can be to a community, and we love supporting the City of Merriam,” Tom and Debbie said.
Merriam’s 2019 Youth Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Greta Berg. Greta has volunteered at various Parks and Recreation programs and events for the last six years.
“Volunteering has been very important to me because it allows me to give back to my community, which I love so much,” Greta said.
Greta graduated from Shawnee Mission North this year and was involved in varsity marching band, varsity swimming, and was president of the National Honor Society. She is headed to Kansas State University this fall to study horticulture and environmental science.
Congratulations, and THANK YOU for serving our community.

Greta Berg and her mom Ingrid.