Leadership Modesto raises $27,000 for bereavement camp

Leadership Modesto completed its 32nd year recently by graduating 23 members who, as a class project, raised $27,000 for Camp Erin, Community Hospice’s bereavement camp. The Modesto Chamber of Commerce conducts Leadership Modesto, a 10-month program that involves leaders from business and nonprofits. The group received the first-ever Camp Erin Leadership Award for its collective effort. This year’s class included David Rogers of Express Employment Professionals, Derek Ford of Modesto Irrigation District, Melissa Malone of E.&J. Gallo, Christina Postma of Wells Fargo Financial Advisors, Kevin Carroll of the Modesto Gospel Mission, Mira Jantz of Mira Bridal, Elizabeth Greenlee-Harrison of Interfaith Ministries, Doris Foster of Stanislaus County, Jessica Trompetter of Modesto Subaru, Maria Lopez of the Center for Human Services, Andrew Rodgers of Coit Restoration, Michael King of Doctors Medical Center, Marissa Williams of Atherton & Associates, Jeffrey Dirske of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, Elizabeth Escalante of the Stanislaus County Office of Education, Jeff Mangar of the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Elliot Begoun of The Intertwine Group, Samantha Wookey of Modesto Irrigation District, Diane McDonnell of the Stanislaus County Library, Trever Balzer of PMZ, Steve Junqueiro Jr. and John Campbell of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department, and Jacqueline Valencia of the Exact Corp.

Yosemite park ranger honored

Yosemite National Park Ranger Glen Gibbons received the Barry Hance Memorial Award, the park’s highest honor, for his work at the Arch Rock entrance station.

Gibbons is sometimes the only National Park service ranger who visitors encounter during their stay in the park. He recognizes this and makes sure each visitor to Yosemite National Park feels informed and welcomed. Even on the busiest days, Gibbons manages to makes each visitor feel special.

Yosemite National Park employees nominate fellow employees for the annual Barry Hance award. Gibbons is well-known for his grace, positive energy and total willingness to help others at all times. At the award ceremony, he received several standing ovations from fellow park employees.

The award is named in honor of Barry Hance, a long-term Facilities Management employee who died in an avalanche while plowing the Tioga Road in 1995. The award is given annually to employees who exemplify the qualities and attributes of Barry Hance. These include a positive attitude, a concern for fellow employees, a willingness to work with other divisions in the park, getting the job done, and a love for Yosemite National Park.

This story was originally published June 20, 2015 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Leadership Modesto raises $27,000 for bereavement camp."