18. What are the one or two peak experiences in your life that set you on the path you’re on today?
I guess there have been two peak experiences that have shaped where I am today. One was when I first volunteered in my early 20s to work with the Literacy Council in Washington State. I don’t know where my interest in volunteering came from because my family hadn’t been involved in it. But it was there that I found I wanted to give something back to my community. My work over the years at Hospice was another, on-going peak experience. I enjoyed watching and observing so many people doing volunteer work and gained a great appreciation for just how valuable this has been to the organization’s mission and our community.
19. You probably know other individuals who have sage leadership talents and skills but are not currently involved in the civic life of our community. Why do you believe they choose to be uninvolved? What, if anything, might be done to get them engaged?
From what I’ve observed, a lot of people come here and very shortly develop a rich and full life without volunteering. They’re on the golf course or on the tennis court or in restaurants enjoying themselves. Yes, there are so many retirees with all of this valuable experience, but they have a full life and don’t take the next step and volunteer. I also believe there are a lot of folks who don’t think about volunteering because they have never done it. I think we need to find ways of directly engagement all of these kinds of people and letting them know how valuable their contributions can be to our community. I don’t have any specifics for direct engagement, but we might look at social groups and attempt to tap into them.
20. One final question: It is often said that the quality of life in our community is highly attractive and unusual. Do you believe this to be true? (If yes): What are the three or four things about our community that you most value and make you want to continue living here?
I believe it is true. Western Nevada County lacks the snobbery of other areas my partner and I have lived. Everyone here gets on well and is friendly. And there is as tendency to “buy local” that stems from the strong sense of community. Another reason we love it here is the natural beauty.
When my partner and I had first lived earlier in Sonoma County, there were mostly Fords, Chevys and pickups running around. Then the reputation of Sonoma County started to draw others. Within a short time these vehicles were replaced with Mercedes and Jags, and the merchants and restaurants wanted nothing to do with the locals, not even cashing their checks. This is one of the reasons we left Sonoma and moved here.
21. Is there anything else you’d like to add or ask before we close?
No
Many thanks for your time and insights. This has been a great interview!
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