Kastar honored as ‘Dorothy A. Jones Volunteer of the Year’

MAT-SU — Nominated for the 2013 Dorothy A. Jones Volunteer of the Year award were Marguerite Rykaczewski Dowling, Cheryl Hampton, Alden (Al) Kastar and Michelle Overstreet.

The annual award was established in 1993 by United Way of Mat-Su to honor the memory of Dorothy A. Jones, a foremost community leader whose dedicated service improved the quality of life for Mat-Su residents.

The 2013 winner is Kastar, who was honored at the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce meeting March 11 for the length and breadth of his service in the Mat-Su Borough, according to United Way, which bestows the award annually.

He has volunteered for many years with groups such as Alaska Correctional Ministries through St. John Lutheran Church, the HeartReach Center and Habitat for Humanity.

Dowling was nominated for her volunteer work at North Bowl for league bowlers and as the sole organizer for the children’s bowling league.

Hampton has volunteered with the Girl Scouts for more than 16 years and she also is a longtime volunteer for the local Boy Scouts.

Overstreet is the unpaid founder, president and executive director for Mat-Su Youth Housing commonly known as MY House. The organization meets the Valley’s homeless youth’s immediate needs, as well as, providing long-term “hand up” services.