Chapter Honors Finest Volunteers at Banquet

By Silvia Darie

Year after year, Angeles Chapter depends on volunteers to run its programs, lead outings, and spearhead campaigns. They are the heart and soul of the chapter. They all bring something special to the organization and we appreciate them all. And on the first Sunday in May, we gather to say thank you to those that stand out.

The Angeles Chapter will honor some of its finest members at the Annual Awards Banquet May 3, 2009. Come join us in the celebration! The event will take place at the Brookside Country Club near the Rose Bowl. An outdoor reception and silent auction will be from 5-6 pm, followed by dinner and presentation of awards.

The Phil Bernays Service Plaque, the highest service award conferred by the Angeles Chapter, will be presented to former Chapter Chair Virgil Shields. Virgil Shields has worn a myriad of hats over the years of service in Angeles Chapter, has chaired many committees, has taken hundreds of WTC students out in the wild as a group leader, and led outings both nationally and internationally. His exemplary leadership will be missed now that he has relocated to the East Coast.

The Wealdon Heald Conservation Award goes to Don Bremner, Chair of the Forest Committee. The Forrest Committee of the Sierra Club was instrumental in the introduction of legislation to protect over 450, 000 acres of wilderness in the San Gabriel Mountains and Eastern Sierras.

Chester Versteeg Outings Award will be presented to Harry Freimanis for chairing the Navigation program for many years.

Extraordinary Achievement Certificates go to Mark Bixby and the Tejon Ranch Task Force. On May 8, 2008, the Sierra Club and four other leading environmental organizations announced a historic land conservation agreement with the Tejon Ranch Company, that protects ninety percent of the 270,000-acre ranch in perpetuity.

The Elna Bakker Nature Interpretation Plaque goes to George Wysup. Hersh Kelley will be awarded the Lifelong Service Plaque. Ed Ogawa will receive the Lori and Robin Ives Media Award .

The Linda Hoyer Staff Plaque will be awarded to Elizabeth Saas, Editor of Southern Sierran. The Irene Charnock Office Service Award goes to Cecilia Wilmott, and the Political Service Plaque goes to Carole Mintzer.

A Citation of Merit award will be awarded to Crescenta Valley Group for their extensive outings program and conservation achievements over the years. John Lajeuness' trips are legendary, and a major fundraising venue for the Angeles Chapter.

The Special Public Policy Award Plaque will go to California State Assembly Member Antony Portantino.

Michael Beck, Bill Brand, Erik Counsellor, Michael Popoff and Kathy Seal will receive Conservation Service Certificates.

Outings Service Certificates go to Wayne Bannister, Bart Bartlow, Ignacia Doggett, Virgil Popescu, Joan Weaver, Ellie West and the PVSB Bus Trip Committee of Donna Lauck, David Hixson and Richard Pardi.

Special Service awards will be given to Bob and Chris Brooks, Barbara Creighton, Wayne Fisher, David Haake, Shirley Hickman, Jean Jackson, Cathy Kissinger, Ingeborg Prochazka, Catherine Ronan, Bill Vanderberg, Todd Williams and the Sierra Singles Hospitality Committee of Janet Hatzer, Kay Daniels and Vince McLaughlin.

Elizabeth Neat, former Chair of LA - Inner City Outings will be presented with the Madelyn Pyeatt Award, a National Sierra Club award that recognizes work with youth. Neat is a middle school English and history teacher in Los Angeles and leads approximately 40 outings a year as a volunteer with the Sierra Club's Inner City Outings (ICO) program. Neat will receive $250 to continue her work.

Darrell Clarke, Chapter Chair will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The awards will be presented by last year's Chapter Chair Mike Sappingfield assisted by Sherry Ross, Awards Committee Chair.

A silent video featuring the Inner City Outings will roll during the reception in honor of Elizabeth Neat and all the volunteers that introduce the Inner City kids to the outdoors.

Silvia Darie will head up the group that produces the banquet. For more information, email at outdoorsygal@sbcglobal.net.

Donna Specht produces the reception. She will solicit your group or section for donations to help pay for it! To those groups and sections that help fund the reception, your help is truly appreciated. Elizabeth Pomeroy will make arrangements for the dinner.

Mary Ann Webster will chair the silent auction. Please contact her to donate articles for the silent auction.

Tickets are $35. Send check, payable to Angeles Chapter to: Cathy Kissinger, Reservationist, 10541 Oro Vista Ave., Sunland 91040-2853. Be sure to indicate if you request a special menu, such as vegetarian. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope to return your tickets.

Individual awardees may request single free tickets. Some awards will go to multiple individuals. In that case, there will be one free ticket for the group.

Chapter entities are encouraged to purchase tables for the banquet: $350 per table for 10.

The banquet is not a fundraiser; in fact, it does not break even. Entities are encouraged to help the Chapter by paying for the free tickets that will go to the individuals they have nominated.

Come join the fun. See you May 3rd.

Better without tunnels: the Santa Ana Mountains PHOTO BY BOB HANSEN