Sierra Club Angeles Chapter leaders and supporters gathered May 3 at Brookside Country Club in Pasadena to celebrate the Year of Muir. A century after our founder last walked in Los Angeles, more than 280 members and supporters came together to recognize our volunteers, whose efforts to explore and preserve wild places attest to the ongoing importance of Muir’s mission and ideals.
The Annual Awards Banquet attracted an impressive turnout of Club members eager to congratulate friends and show their support. Keynote speaker Bruce Hamilton, Sierra Club Deputy Executive Director, spoke passionately about his lifelong dedication to Muir’s vision. The audience also heard from Congresswoman Judy Chu, D-32nd District, and thanked her for crucial legislative work on behalf of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, established in October 2014.
Throughout a festive evening, the Angeles Chapter recognized invaluable contributions by our most dedicated volunteers and staff. Over 45 volunteers and chapter entities received awards for their service.
Recipients of the Chapter’s highest honors were Mary Morales (Phil Bernays Service Award), Ron Campbell (Chester Versteeg Outings Award), Dan Richter (Lifelong Service Award), Howard Strauss (Political Service Award), our chapter staff (Linda Hoyer Chapter Staff Award), Judy Chu (Special Public Policy Award), and John Lajeuness (Donna Specht Fundraising Award).
Go here for a full list of awardees.
Angeles Banquet 2015 program book.
In Memorium slideshow of Chapter members who have passed.
Bruce Hamilton's speech about the mighty John Muir.