“We are amazed and humbled by the overwhelming support for Good Neighbor Saturday,” said Anna Williams, manager of the Providence Volunteers in Action group. Williams reported “83 volunteers served at 13 homes doing yard work the third Saturday in May. At one home, volunteers removed over 1,100 gallons of yard debris, with 20 bags full.”
It was a bonus to have some youth community service groups participate together, like Young Life and Gorge Kids in Action. “Having multi-generational work groups enhances the volunteer experience,” said Williams.
Good Neighbor Saturday is an annual event where teams gather for a hosted breakfast and then set out to do good work at homes where owners have barriers to upkeep. It’s great to give a boost on this fun community work day, but many of the recipients need help year round. That’s where Providence Volunteers in Action comes in.
Providence Volunteers in Action provides assistance to adults living at home. Many have a chronic illness or aren’t able to care for themselves as they have in the past. Volunteers provide transportation, grocery shopping, respite care, friendly visiting, light housekeeping, meal prep and more. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Williams at 541-387-6404.
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Hood River Youth Lacrosse Board members wrote to thank Tara Henderson and Scotia Bauer for their service to the HRYL organization, after their recent resignations from the board.
Denice Bukovansky, board president, writes:
“Tara has served as the President of the board for the past seven years. Her exceptional organizational and leadership skills have made a profound impact on the HRYL program. She has done so much behind the scenes for this organization, that the true impact of her departure may not be fully appreciated for years. Tara, nearly single-handedly, has coordinated registration, field use, referees and games. She recruited coaches, parent volunteers, board members and even players. On any given Saturday during the lacrosse season you can find her lining fields and making sure the equipment is in good order. She visits practices, checks in with parents, educates spectators and encourages every player on the field. She handles issues with players, parents and coaches with empathy and a directness that gets the situation resolved. She has been a tremendous advocate for our lacrosse program. Because of Henderson’s dedication and immeasurable donation of time, energy and resources, we have watched the HRYL program grow, the players thrive and the Hood River community continue to develop a love of lacrosse.
“Scotia has served on the HRYL board for the past eight years. Her adaptability and endless talents have benefitted the board immeasurably. She has stepped up to fill-in where needed which has been nearly every role available. She has brought to the organization the ultimate combination of energy and enthusiasm only matched by her extraordinary skills and ideas. She is tremendously resourceful and has helped the program resolve issues with a compassionate and successful outcome. Her skills managing the budget have proven invaluable and the organization has benefitted from her advice and direction for the frugal use of limited funds. Her input will be greatly missed.” Also serving on are: Patricia Bunch, vice president; Stephani Hendricks, secretary; Amy Kitt, treasurer; Toni Corcoran-Smith, safety coordinator; Todd Clay, Brook Bielen, Janet Cook, and Yvonne Arbogast, board members.
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