Volunteer state park hosts at Rooster Rock State Park and Fort Stevens State Park have been named by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) as recipients of the “Gen” Angdahl Outstanding Host awards for 2013. Wayne and Nancy Harsh from Sandy, Ore., and Gene and Peggy Miller from Salem, Ore., were chosen from among six couples nominated by OPRD park staff as outstanding hosts. Established in memory of Genevieve (Gen) Angdahl, a long-time state park volunteer from Salem, the award recognizes outstanding volunteer contributions in activities ranging from park maintenance and repairs to interpretive services. Nominators praised the Harshs for their superior work and customer service at Rooster Rock State Park. The couple also was cited for their work ethic and commitment to safety. Park staff said in the nomination, “The integrity that Wayne and Nancy possess should be an example for all as they treat everyone with utmost kindness and honesty. Being such friendly and caring people, they tend to make friends with most everyone they come in contact with.” With more than 18,000 combined work hours in their hosting career, the Miller couple was recognized for their independence, initiative, patience and perseverance while at Bradley Wayside in the Fort Stevens Management Unit. Their nomination acknowledged them “for being that rare type of versatile park hosts who enjoy being caretakers that involves extended stays at park locations sometimes far off the beaten track.” The other outstanding host nominees were Barry and Joyce Crocker at Smith Rock State Park; Dave and Heather Cross at L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park; Roger and Carolyn North at Clyde Holliday State Park; and Terry and Bess Cheney-Smith at Carl G. Washburne State Park.
