AROUND LAKESIDE – Many Volunteers make their mark in Lakeside

Volunteers are alive and well in Lakeside. Recently, the Lakeside River Park hosted their annual Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Boll Weevil restaurant. Owner Victor Tongco, opened his place of business and heart to the volunteers by serving a delicious breakfast. Cindy Collins, the Volunteer Coordinator organized the event.

Volunteers are alive and well in Lakeside. Recently, the Lakeside River Park hosted their annual Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Boll Weevil restaurant. Owner Victor Tongco, opened his place of business and heart to the volunteers by serving a delicious breakfast. Cindy Collins, the Volunteer Coordinator organized the event.

Robin Rierdan, Executive Director River Park Conservancy said that most folks do not realize how important volunteers are to the survival of the organization. More than 600 volunteers put in more than 8,000 hours at the River Park this past year. Even the Federal Government recognizes the importance of volunteers and said this amount of donated hours amounts to $192,000 if they were paid employees.

Rierdan said Lakeside's River Park is different than other River Parks downstream.

"We're not hauling out hundreds of pounds of trash like others seen on TV, and that is because our volunteers are Johnny on the spot with trash problems eliminated and keeping the trails safe and secure. They walk the trails daily and they meet people riding, walking and biking, the volunteers are our eyes and ears—keeping it safe. The volunteers give Lakeside a trail we can use safely and happily," she said.

The awards ceremony included appreciation gifts which were scenic tiles with photos by Pete Nelson. Pat Russel, who passed away recently, and his dog Bailey received the Security Award. Posthumously, for opening gates in the morning and closing them in the evening. He was credited for always being cheerful and helpful.

Lila Parker is part of a volunteer family. She is considered by the River Park to be their "Secret Weapon."  As an outreach volunteer she spreads the word and sings praises about the River Park and she can tell stories about the River Park from its inception, when there was just talk about the idea of a River Park in Lakeside. "She is a treasure in our organization," Rierdan said.

Prettiest Artwork Award went to Joe Sullivan, a Cowboy Poet, who has written numerous poems about the River Park and the Trails and wide open spaces. He and his wife, Linda are also Laguna Mountain volunteers.

Equestrian Mounted Monitors member, Marcie Walker joined in 2013 and has dedicated many hours surveying the trails and making sure they are safe. Now she primarily works in El Monte Valley, keeping an eye out for issues that need to be addressed in the scenic corridor.

The Safety Award was given to Dawn and Lawrence Roberts who volunteer their efforts at all River Park events, as parking directors. They are the first ones folks meet when coming to an event and they are always welcoming greeters.

The New Volunteer Award went to Carolyn Bass and Cheryl Fuller a real team effort. They are considered to be "habitual volunteers." and work at all events, helping in many ways.

The Most Valuable Player Award went to Joe Garcia, the can do guy. He can be found anywhere the River Park needs help, doing jobs wherever needed and working on the Bostonia House and irrigation.

Photographer, Pete Nelson, received recognition for his native photography, his photo dons the cover of the organization's Annual Report.

The Joan Burnette Award went to a person with a powerful amount of energy, Amy Huie received the prestigious award. She first came to the River Park as a volunteer then she worked as an employee for many years. Now she has moved on the Sweetwater Water District but she still comes back to Lakeside to volunteer her time and talents. She also has a kind spirit and works very hard.

Rierdan explained that the next few years will be focused on the El Monte Valley area. She said that the beautiful scenic valley has the potential of being like Missions Trails Regional Park. The Flume Trail is about to develop two new trails. "Our Board of Directors can't support the sand mining that is being proposed," she said.