On April 29, 2023 in conjunction with Members Day and the dedication of several interim projects along Volunteer Boulevard, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum invited members and volunteers to an evening dinner recognizing the achievements of its volunteers. The museum also hosted guest speaker J. Craig Thorpe who gave an excellent, engaging presentation entitled Railroads, Art and American Life: An Artist’s Memoirfeaturing his new book of the same name.

After the dinner sponsored by Washington Auto Mall, PTM staff and leadership recognized the service of volunteers and community partners. The final awards given out were the President’s Volunteer Service Awards, an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service that recognizes volunteer service on a national level. PTM volunteers recorded over 27,600 service hours in 2022!

The museum presented special recognition awards to J. Craig Thorpe, Koppers, Inc. and Brownlee Trucking. PTM board president Ed Morascyzk presented the President’s Award to Jack Demnyan, and Artie Ellis received the Executive Director’s Award from Scott Becker. The Special Events Award was given to LeAnn Zebley, the inaugural Interdepartmental Award went to Barrie Baker, the Rookie Award was received by Richard Dulaney, and Louie Mariano accepted the Youth Award. The Operator of the Year recognition went to Tom Pawlesh.

The theme of the evening was growth – each volunteer received a flower with the message, “thank you for helping us grow!”

Trolley 78 parked at Fairgrounds platform with attendees walking up hill to Volunteer Dinner

Members and volunteers arrive by trolley at the Fairgrounds for the appreciation dinner

Trolley 78 parked at Fairgrounds platform with attendees walking up hill to Volunteer Dinner

Volunteers arrive for the annual appreciation dinner

Trolley 78 parked at Fairgrounds platform with attendees walking up hill to Volunteer Dinner

Attendees of the volunteer dinner disembark the trolley shuttle to the Fairgrounds

Scott Becker stands by podium and makes remarks

Scott Becker welcomes attendees and makes some opening remarks.

Craig Thorpe holds his book while presenting a slideshow

J Craig Thorpe holds his new book while presenting a dinner program

Trustees and staff stand at the volunteer dinner

Trustees and staff stand at the volunteer dinner

Kathryn Black stands with other trustees and staff

Kathryn Black stands with other trustees and staff

Jeanine speaks to crowd

Director of Annual Giving and Marketing Jeanine DeBor speaks to the crowd

Art and Cindy smile while sitting at a table

Art Ellis, age 103, watches the awards ceremony with his daughter Cindy

Awards Ceremony

Scott and Craig hold award

Scott Becker, CEO and President of PTM, presents J. Craig Thorpe with a Special Recognition Award

Scott and Craig shake hands

Scott Becker, CEO and President of PTM, presents J. Craig Thorpe with a Special Recognition Award

Jack Demnyan receives the President's Award from PTM President Ed Morascyzk

Jack Demnyan receives the President's Award from PTM President Ed Morascyzk

Jack and Ed post with Jack holding his award

Jack Demnyan receives the President's Award from PTM President Ed Morascyzk

Ray and Leroy at the front of the room

Leroy Ball, CEO of Koppers, Inc, receives a Special Recognition Award from PTM Vice President Ray Betler

Leroy Ball receives award

Leroy Ball, CEO of Koppers, Inc, receives a Special Recognition Award from PTM Vice President Ray Betler

Scott and Brian pose with award

PTM CEO/Executive Director Scott Becker presents Brownlee Trucking a Special Recognition Award accepted by Brian Kengore

Scott and Artie pose with award

Artie Ellie and Scott Becker, CEO and Executive Director of PTM, pose with Artie's Executive Director's Award

Artie speaks into the microphone holding award

Artie Ellis accepts the Executive Director's Award

Elizabeth and LeAnn pose with award

LeAnn Zebley receives the Special Events Award from Elizabeth Hosier

Elizabeth and Barrie pose with award

Elizabeth Hosier presents the inaugural Interdepartmental Award to Barrie Baker

Kristen Fredriksen presents Richard Dulaney with the Rookie Award

Kristen Fredriksen presents Richard Dulaney with the Rookie Award

Kristen Fredriksen presents Louie Mariano with the Youth Award

Kristen Fredriksen presents Louie Mariano with the Youth Award

Group photo of bronze level recipients

Bronze-level recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award

Group photo of silver level recipients

Group photo of gold level recipients

Gold-level recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award

Kevin and Tom pose with award in front of trolley

Kevin Zebley presents Tom Pawlesh with the Operator of the Year award

Full list of 2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award recipients:

Bronze Level (100-250 hours):

A. William Kiehl
Brett Freithaler
Donna Becker
Joseph Brandtner
Larissa Gula
Ned Apalakian
Timothy Moffat
David Moffett
Timothy Sheffield
Judith Pilof
Robert Frank
Jennifer Shaeffer
Bram Bailey
Stephen Hudspeth
Cynthia Wells
Richard Dulaney
Jason Ballock
Alexander Bruchac
Andrew Lynn
Jack Samuels
Dennis Cramer
Joe Warkany

Silver Level (250-500 hours):

Artie Ellis
Alfred Cooley, Jr.
Barrie Baker
David George
David Hamley
Dave Woods
Donald Bailey
Jack Demnyan
Jeff King
Mark Smutny
Nancy Young
Ralph Ciccone
Richard Rhoton
Sarah Wells
Tom Pawlesh
Wayne Wicks
Wayne Young
William Fronczek

Gold Level (500+ hours):

Aaron Shaeffer
Art Rizzino
Bernie Orient
Bruce Wells
CJ Bick
Dan Bower
Dennis Bockus
George Gula
Jack Jost
John Habak
Katie Imler
Larry Lovejoy
Louie Mariano
Michael Buchta
Robert Jordan
Robert Popey
Roy Scandrol
Stephen Semerod
Walt Pilof

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