Volunteers celebrated at picnic

At age 81, Jerry Artellan hasn't let health issues stand in the way of his dedication to the Carson Valley Community Food Closet.

For a dozen years, the retired Carmel Highlands, Calif., assistant fire chief has helped out at the food closet, inspired by a neighbor who also was volunteering.

"I lost a leg a couple of years ago, but I went right back to volunteering," he said Thursday. "Now, I'm being treated for cancer, but I'm hanging in there."

Artellan, of Gardnerville, was one of 130 volunteers honored at the annual Active Volunteers in Douglas picnic Thursday at Heritage Park.

For the past few years, the organizations who benefit from the volunteers have hosted the event.

"I appreciate being appreciated," volunteer Nancee Goldwater said.

AVID is the umbrella for 19 organizations in Douglas County which rely on volunteers.

From staffers at the county's remote sheriff's office substations to dog walkers, opportunities exist for volunteers from teenagers through senior citizens with a variety of interests.

"I've volunteered all my life. I felt I had to do something. It's nice to be able to help people," Artellan said.

Within days of her daughter entering first grade, Tami Matus was volunteering in her classroom. She is also president of the Jacks Valley Elementary School Parent-Teacher-Student Organization.

"I want to help my daughter be all she can be, and I love the great things they do at the school," Matus said. "I love helping out. My daughter gets so excited when I show up in the classroom."

Sheriff Ron Pierini said his department accounts for more than 300 volunteers.

That includes the sheriff's advisory council, chaplains, citizen patrol, mounted posse, search and rescue, reserves, youth Explorers, TRIAD senior programs, support staff.

"We can't live without our volunteers," Pierini said. "They just do an outstanding job."

Recently, Pierini estimated sheriff's office volunteers had donated 62,000 hours, saving Douglas County more than $1 million.

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact Sgt. Jim Halsey at 782-9931, or visit the AVID Web site, www.douglasvolunteers.org.

The Web site has a list of the agencies served by AVID with links to their sites.