SALEM, Ore. - Three couples were honored this month for their work as volunteers at Oregon state parks last year.

Each couple received "Gen" Angdahl Memorial Host Awards.  The award was established in memory of Genevieve (Gen) Angdahl, a long-time state park volunteer from Salem.

Bill and Kathy Fast of Halsey, Oregon

• The Fasts helped open the Detroit Lake State Recreation Area after the park was buried by late winter snow.  Their follow-up efforts included mowing the lawn, picking up litter, working in the park's visitor center and aiding the park's safety program.

John and Sandee Acocella of Surprise, Arizona

• The Acocellas helped maintain the campgrounds at Memaloose State Park and Silver Falls State Park and were involved in interpretive activities, special events and the Junior Ranger programs at both parks.

Gary and Jerrilyn French of Edmonds, Washington

• The Frenchs helped keep Fort Stevens State Park's historic military area free of litter and its visitors informed through their interpretive efforts.  They tackled a variety of tasks, ranging from guiding tours to cleaning yurts.

According to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, nearly 1,200 state park hosts contributed more than 400,000 hours of volunteer service in 2008.

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