KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Air Zoo recently honored volunteer Richard “Rick” Cahow with the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award. Cahow, 64, of Portage, began volunteering at the Air Zoo in 1979, helping in a variety of areas.
“Rick is an invaluable asset to the Air Zoo,” said Tamra Stafford, volunteer and community resources manager. “He has a wealth of knowledge about aircraft and genuinely enjoys sharing it with fellow volunteers and visitors. He always strives to provide the best possible experience to each and every guest.”
Cahow oversees the educational component of the Air Zoo’s docent training program. He instructs a 10-week docent class twice a year, which teaches volunteers about the museum’s aircraft and how to give tours.
In addition to serving on the docent advisory council, Cahow assists with the Air Zoo’s open cockpit program. He was recognized by the Kalamazoo County Excellence in Education program nine times during his 40-year tenure as an educator with Kalamazoo Public Schools. In 2011, he received the State History Educator Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.
The Air Zoo is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and offers a restaurant, gift shop, and banquet facilities. General admission is $8 per person. Unlimited rides and attractions may be purchased with a wristband package (Ultimate Ace-$15, Junior Flyer-$12, Co-Pilot-$8), which includes general admission, or tickets can be purchased individually for rides. Children who are 4 years old or younger are free.
For more information: AirZoo.org or 269-382-6555.
