Editor's note: Each month, The Record-Courier profiles a volunteer in cooperation with Active Volunteers in Douglas, an organization formed to address recruitment, retention, placement, and recognition of volunteers. Anyone who wishes to nominate a volunteer, or become active with AVID, is asked to call 783-6450 and leave a message, including a contact telephone number.
August volunteer: Connie Caughlan
How long have you lived in Douglas County? 11 years
Town of residence: Gardnerville.
Where did you live before moving to Douglas County? Incline Village.
Family: Husband, Michael; four daughters, seven grandchildren.
Are you currently working or retired? I am working, I have been the head secretary at Pinon Hills Elementary School for 12 years.
How long have you been a volunteer? Four years.
Where do you currently volunteer? Carson Valley Arts Council.
What are your duties? I hang posters for upcoming events, set up and take down chairs, make signs, help work the table at the farmers market, collect raffle prizes, organize and run the raffle table at the concerts, greet guests at the door during our concert series, attend bi-weekly meetings to plan for the concert series, and anything else that the CVAC needs help with - you name it.
How much time do you volunteer per month? It all depends on the time of year. There are many events that the CVAC is involved in. I would guess I spend about a week each month when you add it all up.
Why and how did you become a volunteer? I was always involved in the arts in some way up at the Lake, as well as other community events (Walk The Lake, Snowfest, Shakespeare Festival, Sand Harbor Music Festival, etc.) When I moved down to the Valley, I saw a notice in The Record-Courier about the CVAC board meetings and I started to attend those. When the meeting times changed, I stopped going to those, but then found out about the events committee meetings and became involved in the planning of the concert series and other fundraising events.
Favorite aspects of volunteering: The wonderful people I have met in the process - those with whom I work and those who attend our events. It has really helped me to feel like a real part of this warm and fabulous community.
What would you say to encourage others to volunteer? Become involved in anything that you are passionate about, whether it be helping others, helping your community, or bringing a project (in our case, the arts) to your community. It's fun, you meet wonderful people, and it is spiritually rewarding.
