State Parks volunteer Marjorie Sewell of Cambria honored

State Parks’ highest honor for volunteers has been given to Marjorie Sewell, a Cambria resident who was raised in San Simeon from 1932 (as a newborn) to 1949, and who has donated to parks units more than 5,000 hours in many roles.

Those roles, all of them in Sewell’s beloved San Simeon, include being a docent at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center Information Desk, in the Hearst Castle Living History Program and at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon Bay (in partnership with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary).

This month, Sewell received the “Volunteer Medallion for Superior Achievement” in recognition of her “extraordinary volunteerism and significant contribution toward the agency’s missions and goals.”

Pendleton Harris, interpretive specialist for the San Luis Obispo Coast District, said Sewell “has been a dedicated, knowledgeable and multitalented volunteer for more than 15 years.”

Harris said only three other volunteers donating time to the district have received the honor in the past few decades: Esther Palusko (earlier this year) and in the 1990s, Cy Swanson and Saam Hughes. 

 “We are truly fortunate to have so many people in our community with such incredible knowledge, talent and dedication to volunteerism and in their support of California State Parks,” District Superintendent Nick Franco said. “The district has volunteers in every unit, who enrich the experience of our visitors and support the programs of State Parks in many facets. Currently we have over 800 volunteers districtwide.”

Carolyn Skinder, program coordinator for the Sanctuary’s southern region, said that in Sewell’s decade and a half of volunteering, the honoree has been “an integral part in the success of the programs, goals and mission of California State Parks … and an outstanding ambassador” for State Parks and the Discovery Center.”

Harris said the honoree has contributed so much to the experience of “thousands of visitors, providing educational programs and mentoring other docents as well” and “continues the proud tradition of volunteerism” as State Parks celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Skinder noted that Sewell also “has selflessly and cheerfully given to the community her services and talents at the Pewter Plough Playhouse, the Cambria Library, highway clean-up, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Historical Society.

Sewell “has made at least seven scarecrows for the October festival, is a member of University Women, participates in the annual California Coastal Cleanup, and marches in the Pinedorado Parade every year,” Skinder said. 

“She is there for neighbors and for her community at the drop of a hat, and in her ‘spare’ time, Marj knits sweaters for infants in need. She is a true inspiration to all who know her, and an amazing asset to this community!”

This story was originally published November 25, 2014 at 3:21 PM with the headline "State Parks volunteer Marjorie Sewell of Cambria honored."