By Clyde Noel
Each year the Joint Community Volunteer Service Awards ceremony becomes larger, and last Friday’s 21st annual gathering was a complete sellout.
Tables at the Los Altos Youth Center were decorated with red and green for the holidays, featuring poinsettias and cloth Santa Claus toys.
While guests enjoyed their lunch, former Los Altos Mayor Jane Reed and former Los Altos Hills Mayor Mary van Tamelen were introduced.
Reed and van Tamelen made the keynote address on volunteerism in both communities.
“There are so many people who deserve this award, and that’s the reason we come here every year,” Reed said. “We started this in 1983 in the Garden House to acknowledge the many ways people volunteer in the community.”
“We had to set up something for the various unsung heroes, and through the cooperation of the two cities we are still going strong in thanking those who volunteer,” van Tamelen said.
Reed and van Tamelen introduced each presenter, who spoke for their awardee. The nine awards are as follows, in the order in which they were presented. The quotes are taken from the nomination letters:
Carol Watts: For her work with League of Women Voters, and for designing the Smart Voter and Los Altos Town Crier Web sites. “Carol is the principal reason local residents can get their local news with the click of a mouse and find information on any candidate.”
Rae Lee Hansen: For her volunteer work with Cub Scout packs that served 100 Scouts, and for starting two Girl Scout troops. “Mrs. Hansen is truly a treasure who has significantly contributed her time and effort for the betterment of the children of our community.”
Luella McFarland: For volunteering at Hidden Villa over 50 years and volunteering at the Los Altos Senior Center and the history museum. “Luella has given her time to organizations and individuals in the community for decades.”
Paul Van Buren: For his longtime work with the Kiwanis Club, Los Altos Cultural Association and the Los Altos Community Foundation. “Paul provides the kind of quiet, unassuming leadership and service that often goes unrecognized yet is vital to the health of an organization.”
Vicki Reeder: For her work with the Bus Barn Stage Company and as the writer, director, producer and actor of the “Los Altos Follies.” “Vicki has been a community volunteer for over 30 years.”
Peter and Sue LaTourette: For their continuous volunteerism and for Sue as an LACF founding member and grants committee member. “Their volunteer work for innumerable organizations and causes has focused on the community, and they bring to each activity a wealth of experience and skills.”
Roy Woolsey: For working with different committees in Los Altos Hills and being the Community Relations chairman. “The community of Los Altos Hills has been enriched by the diligence, vision and persistence of Roy.”
Kris Casto: For her work with the CHAC Board of Directors and her many other associations with community work. She was involved with the city council 1995-2003, just finishing her term on the council and as the mayor.
“She is a leader and a doer. She reaches out and bridges groups of people.”
