Van Pools Blog

2009 marked the beginning of a Regional Vanpool program called “Alaska Share A Van.” This is a coordinated effort between Anchorage’s Share-A-Ride program, their vanpool provider VPSI and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

As a kick off to get the word out and to thank the existing customers VPSI and Anchorage Share-A-Ride held a customer appreciation picnic on July 18, 2009.

It was a sunny beautiful day in Wasilla at Newcomb Park. Yes, that’s the same place Sarah Palin is from; however we did not see Russia from the picnic site. KMBQ Valley Radio was there, broadcasting live throughout the event. Vanpoolers were everywhere and brought their families (and appetites) along.

Special guest Mayor Roger Purcell of Houston, Alaska opened the award ceremony by saying a few words about the vanpool program’s success, and support for its expansion. Then the awards were given out. Each award category came with a “Star of the Fleet” magnet to place on the van so that the group can be recognized for their commitment to the vanpool program throughout the community, and especially during their commute.

Bill Fritts took away the highest honor, the “Gold Pan Award,” for being an excellent coordinator, and for his commitment to the goals and values of the vanpool program.

Other awards went to:

Only in Alaska - to Gregory Ondera for his follow up during the summer’s flurry of volcano eruptions, keeping the van out of the ash.
Best use of Natural Resources - to Fred Fungelico for allowing a hungry moose to lick the van clean.
Most Squared Away - to Bob Price for keeping his military vanpoolers
on the ball.
Safe Driving - to Bob Gavulic for keeping his drivers road aware, with
six driving compliments from the general public.
Full House - to Greg Parrish for keeping his van as full as possible at all times.

It was a great way to get the Regional Vanpool program started, and a nice afternoon to spend with the whole vanpool family. On behalf of Paula, Sandy, Jesse, Debi and Crissy, thank you to everyone who attended!

Tags: Alaska, Alaska Share A Van, Anchorage, Appreciation, Bill Fritts, Customer, KMBQ, KMBQ Valley Radio, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Mayor Roger Purcell, Picnic, Regional Vanpool, Sarah Palin, Share-A-Ride, Share-A-Ride program, Wasilla, “Star of the Fleet”

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 9:54 am and is filed under Commuting, Riders and Drivers, Sustainable Transportation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.