Submit a nomination for the Think TICK…Take ACTION Awards!

Date: 4.27.2010

The University of Rhode Island Tick Encounter Resource Center and WJAR Channel 10 Providence are honored to invite applications for the "Think TICK...Take ACTION Awards". Awards are given annually in conjunction with Rhode Island’s Tick Control Awareness Day, to recognize individuals or groups who best demonstrate an effort or commitment in raising consciousness about ticks, their associated diseases, and especially taking action to prevent tick-borne disease.

We encourage applications submitted by Town Councils, Rhode Island businesses, non-profits and other entities; nominations should highlight the nominee’s efforts to provide significant insight and application of resources to protect Rhode Island citizens from the impacts of diseases associated with tick bites, including Lyme disease, babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The winner or winners will be selected by a selection committee after review of nominating letters and supporting materials. Winners may include, but are not limited to: schools, teachers, businesses, individuals, camps, environmental education programs, philanthropic institutions and their representatives, and government.

Award Application

Eligibility:

• Nonprofit organizations including educational and volunteer organizations;
• Private sector corporations: industrial, service, commercial;
• Municipalities and all levels of government.

General Criteria:

• The individual (or group) must have demonstrated the benefits of their efforts to citizens, the community, and or the environment;
• Documentation should be submitted to indicate the objectives that have been achieved;
• Projects must have been completed within the last two years;
• Programs or contributions must have been originated within the last two years and be operational.

This year’s awards will be presented at the “BigTick Gala” to be held June 4th, 2010 at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. During the reception, recipients will be recognized for their ACTIONS in helping to reduce the significant impact of tick-borne disease on the Rhode Island community and beyond. Award recipients will be featured on the TickEncounter Resource Center website where their efforts will be recounted to inspire others.

Submit a completed nomination letter(s) by May 12, 2010.

Nomination letters should include :

• Name of nominee (individual or organization)
• Address
• Phone, fax, email
• Contact Person, Title and phone number of nominating party or individual.
• Description of the nominee’s background and position
• Nominee’s efforts to reduce the impact of tick-borne disease, including how long they have been working towards this goal.
• Brief account on demonstrated benefits to individuals, communities and/or the environment.

Applications by e-mail are preferred and may be sent to: TERC@uri.edu

Or mail to:

Dr. Thomas Mather

University of Rhode Island

9 East Alumni Ave. Suite 7

Kingston, RI 02881.

Current Tick Activity in the Northeast United States

September update: Lone Star Tick Larva, also known as Seed Ticks, are beginning to emerge this month. Deer Tick Larvae are feeding on rodents. Rodents carry disease causing pathogens. By the beginning of September, there will be billions of these Deer Tick Larvae getting ready to molt into Nymphs! Watch a short video about this process on YouTube.

Current Tick Activity