Volunteer Awards
The Capital Area Greenbelt Association (CAGA) honored six outstanding volunteers at its annual Awards Picnic on May 4, 2025, at Wildwood Park. Diane Kripas, CAGA Vice President served as MC and Theresa Alberici, Environmental Educator at Wildwood spoke about the history of Wildwood and its connection to the Greenbelt.
Award Winners
Thomas Bay As Tour de Belt Ride Marshal Lead since 2019, Tom’s leadership and safety-first mindset keeps riders rolling smoothly. His impact is felt far beyond event day.
Scott Black With gratitude, we honor Scott of Black Landscaping for his loyal dedication to keeping the Five Senses Garden beautiful—and always stepping up.
Kevin Connor With a keen eye and steady hand, Kevin keeps the Cameron Parkway looking its best. His hard work helps the Greenbelt shine year-round.
Scott Doyle Scott’s dedication to the Greenbelt is unmatched. His hard work and commitment ensure our trail – especially the Paxtang Parkway – stays beautiful year-round.
Karen Isaacman Karen’s passion for outreach helps spread the Greenbelt’s mission far and wide. Her dedication to engaging the community is truly invaluable.
Mira Lloyd Dock Award
Mike Krempasky
For over three decades, Mike Krempasky has been a driving force behind the completion and enhancement of the 20-mile Greenbelt loop. As DCNR’s former Assistant Director of Policy, he played a key role in securing over $7 million in funding for critical projects, including the South Harrisburg connection, the Fort Hunter connector, and intersection improvements. His leadership helped link Harrisburg East Cemetery, State Hospital, Farm Show, and HACC to Wildwood Park, while also supporting Dauphin County’s implementation of CAGA’s Building a Better Greenbelt plan.
Beyond policy and funding, Mike has led hands-on efforts to restore the Amtrak Bridge, clean up the homeless camp in 2023, and pave the road through Harrisburg East Cemetery—where he also served as project lead. Since 2020, he has regularly mowed the Greenbelt section from Elliot Street and Memorial Tree Garden, assisted in maintaining CAGA equipment, and even handcrafted award plaques from Greenbelt wood.
His commitment to the Greenbelt remains unwavering. In 2024, he co-chaired the Buckle the Belt project to reconnect South Harrisburg, writing eight grant applications and securing $115,000 for its success. A former CAGA president and a key figure in the 2010 Strategic Plan, his impact spans decades—strengthening Greenbelt initiatives in ways still felt today.
Message from Planning Committee Chair
Thank you to all of the volunteers who contribute to the Greenbelt every single day. Volunteerism is more than just lending a helping hand—it’s the heartbeat of a thriving community, and each of our volunteers embody that spirit.
This picnic is made possible through the support of our Board and especially the efforts of the planning committee, Diane Riley, Cathy Hart and Arthur Sullivan. A special thanks to LaVern Reading and Aldona Kartorie for helping with day of support; Becky Schuchert for procuring awards; and Diane Kripas for serving as our Master of Ceremonies.
Thank you!
Neelam Zaver
