Rally around a deserving community member

There are a lot of people in the south county who give so much of themselves to our little community of Topaz Ranch Estates, Topaz Lake, Holbrook and the Highlands and as far as Wellington and Smith Valley. If I were to name them all, this column would be nothing but a huge list of names. But, for now, I am only going to mention one. Someone who, since she came to this community in 2001, has contributed so much of herself, to all the rest of us here, and has asked nothing for herself but the enjoyment of helping others.

Bonnie Keesecker, who has lived here in the community for almost six years, has contributed most of her time to helping everyone around her since she moved from Fallbrook, Calif., to be here with us. She has been an angel in our community and has done so much to help all of us here.

She was team captain for Relay for Life in 2006, helping support the team to raise money for the well known cancer fundraiser. She was a volunteer fire fighter and EMT working out of Station 5, Topaz Lake Volunteer Fire Department. She works in the community with the elderly, doing yard work, cleaning and running errands. She has volunteered for Project Santa Claus and has worked on food drives. Bonnie has given her all to our community, giving so much of herself, to help all of us here.

Now Bonnie is in need of having the community rally around her. A few months ago, Bonnie was diagnosed with lung cancer. Something she is fighting against with the same strength she has used doing all these things for our community. Even with the aggressive chemo treatments sapping her strength, she still has found the ability to volunteer for the American Red Cross Disaster Team. In case of fire or even flash flooding which we, especially in TRE, are prone to have, the disaster team is there to put emergency needs and paperwork together.

At the risk of using a movie title, "It's time for all of us to 'Pay it Forward.'"

There might come a time, when we least expect it, we may need the same help. There is a wonderful thing about our small community of southern Douglas County, we have always stepped up to the plate when things got tough for our neighbors.

There has been a medical fund set up for Bonnie Keesecker at the Nevada State Bank, account No. 0830003760. Fundraisers are being planned to offer Bonnie the same support she has given to our community. Anyone wanting to help, call Debbie Keys at 266-3018.

Just a reminder:

-- The big 25th anniversary party for Iggy & Squiggy's Junction Bar in Holbrook Junction will be Monday, Memorial Day starting at 4 p.m. There will be a complimentary barbecue. Come out and bring your favorite stories and pictures. They would love an RSVP if possible, but it isn't necessary. Also coming soon, date and time to be announced, is a complimentary fish fry. The Junction Bar is located at 1506 Highway 395 South at Holbrook Junction. Information, 266-3340.

-- Don't forget June 2 is Community Cleanup Day starting at 7 a.m. Volunteers will be cleaning our streets as well as parts of Minnihaha Canyon. Dumpsters will be located at the Topaz Ranch Estates Park Building parking lot.

-- Topaz Lodge and Casino is still pushing for an opening date of Father's Day weekend. We will all be happy to have the lodge back and general manager Rick Ross promises the community will all be pleasantly surprised with the fresh new look in old lodge style.

-- This is going to be a bad fire season which is already evidenced by the big fire on Highway 80 near Gold Run and Verdi. For all of us enjoying the many trails of the Pine Nuts, exercise a little extra caution while out having fun.

Lots happening and lots to do so, until next week, just keep on keepin' on.

-- Jonni Hill can be reached through The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or by calling 782-5121, ext. 213, or after hours at JHILL47@aol.com