Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Sonora Opera Hall

Railtown hosted a special volunteer appreciation dinner in February at the Sonora Opera Hall for volunteers who contributed at least 84 hours of service in 2023. About 120 volunteers, park and foundation staff attended. The elegant event was generously sponsored by the California State Railroad Museum Foundation.

The Opera Hall was a comfortable venue. The soft sound of classical guitar was a nice background to the cheerful conversations.

This year's theme was to dress as fancy as you desire. As you can imagine, the range of attire worn by volunteers and staff was quite impressive.

Mike Merritt, District Interpretive Manager, gave a speech welcoming and honoring the Railtown volunteers and thanking the Foundation for their partnership with State Parks.

Tim Schroepfer, Foundation President, gave a speech honoring and inspiring the volunteers at Railtown.

Walt Pierson, Polar Express Coordinator, presented special awards for Polar Express volunteers:

• Tom Handley, Polar Rookie
• Jack Hibdon, Polar Rookie
  
• Gisele Murillo, Polar Above & Beyond
• Ted Trambley, Polar Star
• Joyce Miller, Polar Star

Ryan Canutt, Park Maintenance Supervisor, presented two special awards to:

• Paulina Sanfilippo, Gem Award
  
  
• Mike Bispo, Above & Beyond

Daniel Lewis, Park Interpreter & Volunteer Coordinator, presented numerous awards including:

• Recognition for each of the 36 volunteers who contributed over 200 hours of service
• Walt Nolan, Most Volunteer Hours
• Karen McMahon, Best Dressed
• Bob Harris, Most Positive & Enthusiastic
• Karen Ethier, Outstanding Customer Service
• Austin Castro, Interpretive Excellence
• Frank Vera, Personal Growth & Achievement
• Frances Boricchio, Rookie of the Year
• Craig Peterson, Volunteer of the Year

Daniel Lewis, with Mike Merritt and Ryan Canutt, presented Poppy Awards for exemplary volunteer service to five volunteers for their significant contributions to the betterment of California State Parks:

• Ed Rosenbaum
• Warren Smith
• Cathy Sagaser
• Walt Nolan
• Ron White

Finally, Ryan Canutt, with Mike Merritt and Daniel Lewis, awarded Gary Hosman the Medallion Award, the highest honor to a volunteer who made a significant contribution towards the mission and goal of the Department worthy of recognition by the California State Parks Director.