The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary has named Bob Krafft the sanctuary’s Volunteer of the Year.

“For nearly two decades, (Krafft) has been a passionate champion for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary,” Stephanie Gandulla, sanctuary resource protection coordinator, said during a volunteer appreciation event last week. “As a respected member of the Alpena community, he has a deep connection to the Great Lakes through his combined love for Great Lakes fishing and maritime history. Whenever there is a new project or opportunity, he is the first one to step forward, roll up his sleeves, and contribute to the success.”

“This is an amazing honor,” Krafft said upon receiving the award. “I look around the room and see all the people we have here that care so much. To be selected for this award is truly an honor.”

Krafft is deserving of the honor for all he’s done for the sanctuary. He truly is a standout volunteer, and this community owes him a debt of gratitude.

But we know that the leaders of the sanctuary had a hard time making the selection, because the sanctuary is powered by a team of wonderful volunteers.

In fact, our entire community is rich with volunteer power, from the volunteers who help spruce up our parks — think Rotary Island or the Kiwanis Kiddie Park — to the volunteers who help our many local events, from the Michigan Brown Trout Festival to the Alpena’s annual holiday parade, come off without a hitch.

So many people are willing to step up in our community, and our community is better for it. It’s more beautiful. It’s safer. It’s more entertaining. All because many, many people are willing to sacrifice their time and give of their talents to make it so.

Congratulations go to Krafft and thanks go to him for helping to make our sanctuary a world-class destination that brings tourism to our community.

And thanks go to all of the volunteers who help keep our community humming.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)