Friend of the Year

In 2011, Beau and Nancy took over and together coordinated the Foot Patrol for a year. After that year, Beau took over as coordinator until 2015. Beau also served on the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park board for nine years, during which time he held positions of Vice-chair, Co-chair, and Chair.

Long-time Weed Warrior volunteer Nora Hanna was recognized for her efforts to remove invasive vegetation in the park. She inspired all who worked with her for her “never quit” spirit and work ethic and her special passion for removing clematis vitalba to save trees and shrubs. Nora was relentless in battling invasive vegetation and in reminding other volunteers of the significance of their work on behalf of the ecological health of Mt. Tabor Park.

Frank is a founding member of Friends of Mt. Tabor Park. Over many years, Frank contributed to Friends of Mt. Tabor Park in a variety of ways: he served as a board member and Treasurer of FMTP, developed the first website for FMTP, was resident photographer for many FMTP events, and advocated for providing bike racks in the park.

Tim Van Vactor, a former Park Tech in Mt. Tabor Park, received the Friend of The Year award for his efforts beyond his official duties to address and solve problems affecting the well-being of the park.

Nancy is known for her efforts to create, manage, and develop the Dogs Off Leash Area (DOLA). After years of effort with Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association, in 2005 she stepped forward to accept responsibility for the DOLA. Nancy is Honored as Founding Steward of DOLA, and a plaque in Nancy’s honor is affixed to the new message board in the main area of the dog park.

Bunny and Gayle Marechal have been active volunteers since joining the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park in 2003. Their volunteer activities include regular foot patrols in the park, working at the summer concerts in Mt. Tabor Park, and volunteering with the monthly work days in the park removing invasive species.

She’s been called "the Grand Dame of Mt. Tabor Park" and is a founding member of Friends of Mt. Tabor Park. Bertha conceived and helped create the system of trail markers that guides visitors along the red, green, and blue trails throughout the park. She spent two years mapping the various trails before coming up with the current red, green and blue trails system. For many years Bertha also manned the pie sales table at the summer concerts, served on the FMTP board, and was active in the Foot Patrol.

Tony, the first Friend of The Year, is also the first member to take an interest in invasive plants on Mt. Tabor Park and is a founder of Friends of Mt. Tabor Park. He is the original leader of a group of nine volunteers that would become Weed Warriors, a large committee of FMTP which has made a significant difference in the ecological health of Mt. Tabor Park. Weed Warriors has provided an opportunity for school groups, church groups, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Nature Conservancy to volunteer in the park. Unfortunately the very first recipient of the Friends of The Year was unable to attend the presentation, and he has written a story about that evening.