Volunteers honored as ‘heartbeat’ of Laguna Woods

So you bought yourself the newest iPhone, but its functions are a mystery to you. Perhaps you’re hankering for a good book but could use a little help finding one. Or you just got a plot at the Garden Center, but you’re not even sure how to keep a plant alive.

If you live in Laguna Woods, you’re in luck. You’ll find help with all that, thanks to volunteers at the Mac Lab, the library, the Garden Center, and wherever else residents may need assistance.

The Golden Rain Foundation recently held its annual luncheon honoring Laguna Woods volunteers. By the recreation department’s count, more than 400 volunteers packed the Clubhouse 5 Main Lounge to enjoy a lunch of chicken, prime rib and seafood, and to hear the praise and appreciation from Village officials.

“One of the secrets of Laguna Woods Village are the many volunteers hidden in it,” GRF President Jim Hopkins told the crowd.

“You are the heartbeat of Laguna Woods Village,” said Siobhan Foster, CEO of Village Management Services, expressing “heartfelt appreciation for volunteers’ commitment to our Village.”

Marcy Sheinwold, president of the Foundation of Laguna Woods Village, told them that the Village could not function without them: “All the services they provide for the residents are irreplaceable.”

They also save the Village a pretty penny.

Alison Giglio, director of the Recreation and Special Events Department, said in an email that the volunteers’ services save the Village $540,000 in salaries each year.

But let’s hear from the volunteers themselves.

Those from the Village Library occupied four tables at the luncheon.

“We could not function without our volunteers,” said library volunteer Cheryl Beldner.

Shelley Rones noted the rewards of matching residents with favorite books.

“I love exchanging views on books with our residents,” she said. “You meet so many people you would not have met in your own neighborhood. When we see people working through shelves, we love to help and get into conversations.”

Disaster preparedness volunteer Grace Stencel has the safety of Village residents on her mind. With a team of 15, including nurses and security personnel, she has helped train residents in disaster preparedness for five years.

“It is so rewarding that there are so many people in the Village that are willing to help,” she said.

It’s still a ways from April 15, but the Village’s volunteer tax preparers are already prepping to help those who are befuddled about taxes.

Julie Fitzpatrick said she enjoys the process and the chance to help her fellow Villagers.

“I like balancing stuff and helping others,” she said. “Math is my strong point.”

On the flip side, she said, cooking is definitely not a strong point. “I’ll swap doing taxes for cooking anytime,” she said with a laugh.

Al DeSantis has been doing taxes for six years. He said he enjoys it because it keeps him sharp: “I work with all income tax groups and concerns about claims. You are helping everyone, from high earners to Social Security recipients.”

Tax volunteer JoAnn Post said she does house calls for residents who no longer drive. “When people know they are getting back money, they are excited,” she said.

Mac Club President Dennis Kelly spoke of training baffled residents on Mac computers, as did Mary Ellen Bonner, a club volunteer for seven months.

“I was lost on computers at first, but now I help there,” she said. “When I learn something, I like to pass it along.”

Fellow Mac expert Don Barnes said he enjoys volunteering  because he “wants to give back.”

Tammy Halle has volunteered at the Garden Center for a year and describes herself as a “master composter.”

“I do anything: digging holes, building fences, raking,” she said, emphasizing that she loves to work with older residents. “I love learning from older people. I educate myself through them.”

Her friend Sue Margolis has worked at the Garden Center for 20 years.

“I do anything that needs to be done,” she said. “I love meeting new people.”

Quintessential volunteers, the two are planning to travel to Namibia, Africa, for two weeks to work on a reserve for orphaned animals.

Then there’s the Equestrian Center. Sandy Reis conducts tours on Fridays and Sundays.

“People bring their kids, and some have never seen a live horse,” she said. “They really appreciate the center afterward.”

Saddle Club members Lynne Nicholson and Sally Ingmanson spoke of raising money to buy equipment to make the horses’ lives easier.

“Recently we bought fans for the horse stalls – it got so hot in there in the summer,” Nicholson said. “We buy extras for the center that are not in the budget.”

At the Performing Arts Center, Wendy Hames has been an usher for 18 months and enjoys it immensely, she said. She’s even recruited five new ushers.

“Seeing the programs for free is really the least of it,” she said. “I enjoy people, helping them find their seats. I like being of service.

“I get to meet people, enjoy a night out – it’s all been great. It’s fun.”

And what’s not to like about that?

Volunteers honored at the luncheon also help at the Clubhouse 1 Drop-In Lounge, History Center, Lawn Bowling Club, Video Learning Center, Clubhouse 4 studios and workshops, Village TV, Community Activities Committee, recreation classes, docents and Clubhouse 6.