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Volunteers Recognized at Awards Dinner (Photo Essay)

Seventh Annual Crestline/Lake Gregory Rotary Recognition Dinner

By Michael P. Neufeld
Friday, May 22, 2009

Crestline, CA - "The volunteers we honor tonight at the Seventh Annual Crestline/Lake Gregory Rotary Community Recognition Dinner decided to go the extra mile for their organizations...and our communities."

With those words, Dr. John Bueler, Jr., who served as master of ceremonies for the recognition and awards dinner held at the Thousand Pines Conference Center, began saluting 11 community volunteers nominated by their sponsoring organizations.

Each recipient was presented a certificate from Rotary President Leslie Dodge Taylor and a State Senate resolution from Senator Bob Dutton. Dutton was represented by district representative Larry Broedow.

The honorees have made significant contributions to their organizations and Dr. Bueler did a masterful job of highlighting them for those in attendance.

Here are photos of each recipient.

W. Lee Cozad was honored for his work with the Rim of the World Historical Society. Cozad, who was unable to attend due to recent surgery, had family members accept the award on his behalf. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The Crestline/Lake Gregory Chamber of Commerce honored Nancy Pickinpaugh for her efforts as Membership Director and for developing a new billing system for the organization. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The Lake Gregory Yacht Club saluted Barbara Steiner (left) for her involvement in numerous community groups and helping the Yacht Club with fund-raising activities and outreach programs. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Chris Blake (left) received the volunteer award from the Mountain Communities Little League. The award was given because he is involved in every aspect of the league from negotiating with the Recreation and Parks District to buying uniforms and equipment. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The Rim of the World Unified School District selected Sharon Merrill (center) for her involvement with the Rim Education Board and as a reader in the Valley of Enchantment Elementary Community Reads Program. She is also president of the Mountains Community Scholarship Council. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

CHP officer Gary Fernandez, nominated by the California Highway Patrol as Officer of the Year, helped organize the Sober Graduation program for local high schools and coordinates the Every 15 Minutes program. He is assigned to the Running Springs CHP Office. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The Boys and Girls Club of the Mountain Communities selected Susan Neufeld (center) for recognition for her countless volunteer hours with the organization. The recent Bids for Kids auction and dinner was just one of her many extra curricular activities on behalf of the young people in the Boys and Girls Club. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Grace Holding (center) was nominated by the Crestline Community Presbyterian Church having served as secretary, elder and deacon and serves on various committees. She is also involved in numerous community organizations including the Crest Forest Senior Citizen Club. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Patricia Berry (center) is very active in the Crest Forest Senior Citizen Club and among her volunteer services is the front desk clerk for the Mountain Senior Lunch Program. She also serves the club as secretary on the board of directors. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Karyn Westervelt (center) was selected by Hearts and Lives for recognition. She serves as volunteer coordinator for Hearts and Lives. Her efforts to secure volunteers to assist fire survivors benefited the entire mountain community and Hearts and Lives. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Jack Winsten (center) is a valued member of the Crestline/Lake Gregory Rotary Club. His Rotary work includes serving as the club's greeter and as District Chair for the Rotary Friendship Exchange. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Congratulations to all recipients.

This article was first published on Friday, May 22, 2009 at 6:26 am. This article has been viewed 834 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.