Sandra Candanosa of Concord, California, has been named the regional recipient of the National Park Service George and Helen Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
Sandra received the award in Martinez, California, on Saturday, April 23, during the John Muir Birthday-Earth Day Celebration at the John Muir National Historic Site. Tom Leatherman, park superintendent, and AnaMarie Avila Farias, vice-mayor of the city of Martinez, presented the award on the event stage.
The Hartzog Award honors National Park Service volunteers who give of their skills, talents, and time beyond the normal call of duty. Sandra has won this year's award for the National Park Service Pacific West Region, which includes the national parks of California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii.
Sandra's award recognizes her volunteer work organizing las posadas at the John Muir National Historic Site. The bilingual holiday program highlights the region's Spanish colonial history and its place along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.
Sandra's program connects the faith and traditions introduced to the Bay Area by Spanish colonists in 1776 with customs that endure today. She volunteers weeks of her time, driven by love for her cultural traditions and the chance to share them with others. Sandra's program is helping the National Park Service connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates.
For a slideshow of images from las posadas, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHskynVQpB
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(cross-posted at National Park Service website here)