February 2009 Archives

Jim Adams of Sonoma is at once a humble caretaker and a gregarious host at Jack London's historic home. He's also the park's golf-cart man.
The 79-year-old is, above all, an inveterate volunteer who has been devoting his time and energies to state parks in the area since he retired from the printing business 22 years ago.

For Christine Engel of Santa Rosa, feeling at home and happy with her role in her community was elusive for a long, long time.

She worked, she relaxed, she vacationed and completed the days of her life, but something just over the horizon was nagging at her. She wanted to volunteer in her community, but nothing felt right.

"Nothing made me feel connected in the way I wanted to be. I lived here. I appreciated it, but something was missing," she said.

After five years handing out annual awards honoring people dedicated to horses and riding, the Sonoma County Horse Council had a brainstorm. Why not honor an actual horse?

"We chose Mered . . . because of his heart. There are many popular, famous horses in this county," said Karl Bastian, president of council. "But Mered stood out for his work with children. He reminds us what a horse can do."

A 10-year-old Tennessee Walker, Mered was bred to work as a 1,000-pound therapist and is as gentle as he is sure-footed. He is one of a stable of horses that helps disabled children learn to sit up straight, balance, speak commands and build muscle strength through a Petaluma nonprofit organization called Giant Steps. He also works with adult riders with special needs.

Pauline Richardson of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services is in the tiny space used for the Wee Wardrobe Closet, which supplies baby clothes to teen mothers. The Assistance League of Sonoma County Auxialiary, which runs the project, was recognized for its efforts, along with 20 other honorees.

By RAYNE WOLFE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

For those looking for the perfect way to volunteer in their community, one nontraditional portal is as close as the nearest county government office.
"Volunteering with the county is a tremendous gift to the community. Last fiscal year, over 3,000 volunteers donated nearly 200,000 hours of service," said Devon Roupe, volunteer program coordinator for Sonoma County.