- November 26, 2024
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Those who know Ryck Hundredmark know his broad smile. But he’s normally behind the scenes at events such as Granada Grand Festival of the Arts, Riverfest, or any event sponsored by Ormond Beach MainStreet, making sure things are going smoothly.
As a volunteer for MainStreeet since 2006, he recently estimated that he has helped with about 20 events. But that’s just part of his contribution as a MainStreet volunteer. He’s also been part of the revitalization of Granada Boulevard over the past decade.
“He has championed the creation of the Ormond Beach Arts District, chaired the Ormond Beach Farmers Market Committee and worked tirelessly on long-term strategic planning, membership and merchant outreach,” said Julia Truilo, executive director of Ormond MainStreet.
He sits on all four of MainStreet’s standing committees: Design, Economic Development, Events and Organization and served two terms as president.
Ormond MainStreet, founded in 1995 by a group of citizens, works to create a vibrant downtown, defined as Granada Boulevard from State Road A1A to Orchard Street, including areas north and south of the boulevard.
When deciding where to retire, Hundredmark visited the area because he had relatives nearby and fell in love with the city. He liked the fact that it’s a small town, yet convenient to larger places and attractions.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Hundredmark retired to Ormond Beach 12 years ago but got busy right away, volunteering with MainStreet. In his career, which included running car dealerships and property management, he said he never had time to volunteer. So, he joined MainStreet because it was an opportunity to make a difference. The MainStreet work is challenging, yet fun, he said.
Looking back at improvements over the years, Hundredmark said the refurbished buildings were made possible in part by the Building Improvement Grant Program, administered by MainStreet along with the city. He also admires the redesigned medians.
Things are still happening, he said, pointing to the new Starbucks and Lucky’s Food Market on East Granada Boulevard now in the works.
“There’s been a lot of overall improvement in this area,” he said.
“Ryck is the kind of volunteer that all organizations dream about – organized, dedicated and forward-thinking. When he takes on a job, he does it completely. There are no worries about loose ends.
JULIA TRUILO, executive director, Ormond MainStreet
It seemed to start about 10 years ago, with the landscaping and other enhancements at Rockefeller Gardens, he said.
Volunteering for the organization has been a good fit, he said, and he has no plans to completely retire anytime soon. He wants to stay active and not become sedentary. He recently read a recommendation for how many steps a senior should take every day, and he said he exceeds it by far.
“He gives more than 500 hours each year,” Truilo said.
Hundredmark is excited about the future, after seeing the five-year plan by MainStreet, which includes a trail on the east side of the river that will tie in with the County’s River to Sea Trail program.
Hundredmark has also been on the city’s Brownfield Advisory Board and Board of Adjustments and Appeals, as well as Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Committee. He was also a board member of the Ormond Beach Historical Society, helping with their historic preservation efforts. His volunteer work earned him the Mayor’s Award for Civic Engagement at the annual State of the City luncheon in October 2017.
