Valley Volunteers 2016

Volunteers Valley

A supplement to the Jackson Hole News&Guide

April 13, 2016

Mike R. Jackson / COURTESY PHOTO

Volunteer Kathleen Haines prunes shrubs outside John and Bartha Moulton’s second house on their homestead along Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park.

A Grand

e ffor t

Hundreds help maintain, enhance national parks.

See page 8.

INSIDE Teens put in their time

Students sample real world by walking dogs, delivering meals, connecting with younger kids. See page 3.

Schrotzes are superstars

Couple aid various organizations including Lions, Grand Teton Music Festival and Howdy Pardners. See page 6.

Doing good is good for you

Research shows volunteers reap mental and physical benefits from giving back to others. See page 15.

2 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

We Love Our Search & Rescue Volunteers!

Our volunteers donate an average of 500 hours per year for training and rescues.

Volunteer Opportunities

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Support Our Team Help Us Cook - We Need To Fuel 40 Hungry Volunteers Provide a meal for our monthly training meetings/training sessions

Contents

3

Kids give back by washing dogs, delivering meals and more

4

Service clubs provide manpower to community’s annual events

6

Schrotzes are power couple for Community Resource Center, arts

8

Thousands work for government for free to enhance Grand Teton

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Nature Mapping turns ordinary citizens into trained scientists

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Dedicated tutors make difference in lives of young readers

12

There’s always someone to take a call at Community Safety Network

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Helpers enjoy the arts while making events run smoothly

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Research shows doing good for others is good for you

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Many hands make quick work during annual Spring Clean-Up

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Housing Trust considers community service when choosing homeowners

18

Ocean Sailing Team courts teenagers to crew on sailboat

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Conservation Alliance has discovered secrets to recruiting 20-somethings

We’ll pay for the groceries. Drop off the food at our hangar and stay to enjoy dinner or breakfast with the team if you would like!

Event Preparation and Set-Up Mailings and Administrative Help

Special supplement written, produced and printed by the Jackson Hole News&Guide

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Casey Lewis at events@tetoncountysar.org.

Publisher: Kevin Olson Associate Publisher: Adam Meyer

www.tetoncountysar.org

Editor: John R. Moses Deputy Editors: Richard Anderson, Johanna Love Valley Volunteers Section Editor: Johanna Love Layout and Design: Kathryn Holloway Photographers: Bradly J. Boner, Ryan Dorgan, Ryan Jones Copy Editors: Jennifer Dorsey, Mark Huffman, Erika Dahlby Features: Richard Anderson, Emma Breysse, Julie Butler, Melissa Cassutt, Erika Dahlby, Jennifer Dorsey, Clark Forster, Ben Graham, Mike Koshmrl, Johanna Love, Frances Moody, John Moses

We Donate We Participate We Care

Advertising Sales: Andra Adamson Foster, Karen Brennan, Matt Cardis, Tom Hall, Chad Repinski Advertising Coordinator: Oliver O’Connor Creative Services Manager: Lydia Redzich Advertising Design: Natalie Connell, Sarah Grengg, Jenna Mahaffie Pre-press: Jeff Young Pressmen: Dale Fjeldsted, Johnathan Leyva, Steve Livingston Office Manager: Kathleen Godines Customer Service Managers: Lucia Perez, Rudy Perez Circulation: Kyra Griffin, Hank Smith, Jeff Young, Georgi McCarthy

Rocky Mountain Bank is committed to our community: our employees volunteer their time, and our organization is proud to serve as a Co-Challenger

©2016 Teton Media Works Jackson Hole News&Guide P.O. Box 7445, 1225 Maple Way Jackson, WY 83002 , 307-733-2047 Fax: 307-733-2138, www.jhnewsandguide.com

Thank you Volunteers B A N K I N G • T R U S T • W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T P E R S O N A L , R E S I D E N T I A L & C O M M E R C I A L L OA N S ROCKY MOUNTAIN BANK | YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER

“ The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.”

890 W. BROADWAY, JACKSON • 307-739-9000 • ROCKYMOUNTAINBANK.COM

308598

- Andy Rooney

To Volunteer at the Senior Center, please call 733-7300 308796

VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 3

RYAN JONES /NEWS&GUIDE PHOTOS

Anais Gomez, 18, plays fetch with Murray to help him lose weight at the Animal Adoption Center. The center is one of many organizations that benefit from teen service.

Students sample real world by volunteering

Youngsters and nonprofits alike derive benefits from service learning.

By Richard Anderson

L

ast fall Karlie Greenwood, a freshman at Summit High School, volunteered to help train animals at the Jackson/Teton County Animal Shelter. Alex Morillon and Hannsheinz Mancia, both juniors, helped out at Colter Elementary School. And Kristan Rostad, a senior, spent time with elderly residents at MorningStar Assisted Living.

“I love seeing older people,” said Kristan, who is considering a career in social work or nursing. “I love hearing their stories, to listen to their type of music. ... It’s just a really good vibe around MorningStar.”

The students at Teton County’s alternative high school didn’t volunteer just for warm, fuzzy feelings, however. They participated, as all Summit teens do, in the school’s service learning program, a six-week block that begins with students noting their top three interests and the school helping to connect them with organizations where they can serve and learn at the same time.

Some worked with biologists studying mountain lions, some read to preschoolers at the Children’s Learning Center, and some helped create the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum’s new archaeology center.

“It’s a huge range,” said Pam Coleman, the counselor at Summit who helps coordinate the program. “It

Rachael Harrower, 13, washes Diego while volunteering at the Animal Adoption Center.

takes a lot of effort to find projects, to get the buses and get them dismissed … but it’s definitely worth the effort.

I think there’s a lot of learning that can take place in those six hours.”

And, of course, it’s a huge help to the groups that work with students. Not only Summit kids but also youngsters from throughout the community, some of whom, such as Journeys School students, have service requirements for graduation, and others who do it for the fun of it.

“We have a solid group of high school volunteers,” said Janelle Holden, a community service officer

who works at the county animal shelter, “and even some elementary and middle schoolers.”

With a staff of two full-time and two part-time employees, the shelter would be hard pressed to tend its wards — just 11 cats and four dogs last week but usually many more than that — without its volunteers.

And the young helpers get a lot out of it, too, receiving training for ageappropriate tasks (kids younger than 14 must come with a parent) that include taking dogs for walks, playing ball, grooming and bathing them, and giving pets the one-on-one time

that will help prepare the animals to become part of a family when they are adopted.

“Some who are willing and able to even do some cleaning for us,” Holden said, “washing the kennels and the cat litter boxes.”

Karlie got to help train animals during her service learning session at the shelter, taking Sally, a pit bull, for walks and training her to go through tunnels and hoops.

“She was such a great dog,” she said. “I loved her.” She even painted her portrait.

Karlie plans to work at a restaurant this summer but said she would like to continue to help at the shelter.

She has even considered studying to be a veterinarian, “but it would be so hard to put dogs down.”

The nonprofit Animal Adoption Center, which has a staff of four, also welcomes one or two youth volunteers most days of the week, adoption counselor Jess Farr said.

“The kids are awesome,” she said.

“And it’s great for us to know which dogs can handle the loud crazy atmosphere [of a family with children] and which can’t. … You can tell which dogs really enjoy kids.”

St. John’s Medical Center has volunteer opportunities for teens, as does the Teton County Library, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Senior Center of Jackson Hole and many others.

“A lot of them have driver’s licenses,” said Bettie Taylor, volunteer coordinator at the Senior Center, “so they deliver meals. … I have them See students on 5

4 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Clubs care to make a contribution

Service groups pitch in at events and raise money for causes.

By Frances Moody

T

he falling snow didn’t keep volunteers from helping at the 21st International Eukanuba Stage Stop Sled Dog Race.

More than 50 of them showed up at the race’s ceremonial start on Jan. 29. Some helped manage race dogs at the start line while others sold banners that pay to keep the race’s starting point in Jackson.

“Without our dedicated volunteers it would be very difficult to pull off such a grand and spectacular opening ceremony to the Eukanuba Stage Stop,” assistant race organizer Dianna Lehn said.

Lehn said the people who put together the Stage Stop, which was formerly sponsored by Pedigree, depend on individual volunteers.

Most of the helpers, however, belong to service clubs in Jackson.

Lehn said volunteers are members of the Jackson Hole Rotary Breakfast Club, the Kiwanis Club of Jackson Hole and the Howdy Pardners Ambassador Club, to name some.

Boy Scout troops also have helped out from time to time, she said.

Rob Weed, who has manned theStage Stop starting line for more than 18 years, said the Breakfast Club is quite involved.

“I got involved and wanted to help out with the cause the club originally supported,” Weed said. “I have pretty much been at the start line ever since.”

Eight-time Iditarod veteran Frank Teasley, with the help of pub-

BRADLY J. BONER / NEWS&GUIDE

The ceremonial start of the Eukanuba Stage Stop Sled Dog Race relies on volunteers from Kiwanis, Rotary and the Howdy Pardners, among other service organizations, to help dog teams move into the starting lanes at Jackson Town Square.

lic nurse Jayne Ottman, founded the race in 1996.

Similar to how the Iditarod began, the point of the race was to carry immunizations from community to community. Teasley and Ottman also hoped to showcase the state of Wyoming and make sled dog racing more accessible to the public.

An organization that raises money to support health initiatives, the Rotary Breakfast Club has been involved with the race since its early years. In fact, its 20 or or so members

volunteer to sell banners.

“We sell the triangular banners that go up the day of the race,” said John Hansen, a member and past president of the club. “We sell those to pay the $12,000 fee.”

Once the volunteers make enough to fund the ceremonial beginning, they use the additional money they earn to support advertising for flu vaccines and the Teton Free Clinic among other things.

“The banner sales generate between $6,000 to $8,000, which we

use for health care initiatives,” Hansen said.

Breakfast Club members dedicate their time to other events besides dog sled race.

For instance, they help the Teton County Fair Board sell beer at events held at the county fairgrounds, such as the Figure 8 Races. The tips the volunteers receive go to different programs they fund.

“I would have to say we fill a gap for underfunded needs in the See clubs on 5

THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

WE ARE HELPING TO END HUNGER IN TETON COUNTY! THE BOARD OF THE JACKSON CUPBOARD WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING VOLUNTEERS: Adam Romines Al Zuckerman Ali Fay Andy Zimmerman Andrea Evans Ann Carruth Bert Polkinghorne Bert Ferguson Bonnie Pockat Boy Scouts of America Jackson District BreiAnne Elizondo Bridger Teton National Forest Employees Cathy Teig Cliff Kirkpatrick Dan Thomasma

Danny Draper David Carpenter David Nichols Dorothy Neckels Gary Endecott Georgie Still Hanna Janson Herb Brooks Hole Food Rescue Jane Sullivan JP Schubert Judy & Dick Greig Julie McLaurin Kathy Cummings Keith Mader Lana Crabtree Les Jones Leslye Hardie Linda Nelson Liz Lockhart Loretta Kirkpatrick Maritza Hernandez Martha Gilmore

Matt Hall Meridith Medlock Michael Schrotz Mike Cloherty Mike Conlin Mike Keegan Monica Sahasrabudhe Ned Thomas Nina Luxmoore Patty Staley Polly Warner Richard Rice Sarah Kerr Susan Hall Susana Castro Thompson Palmer & Associates Tracy Nelson Trissta Lyman Albertsons Jackson Whole Grocer Lucky’s Market Smith’s Food & Drug

We would also like to thank St. John’s Episcopal Church for housing the Jackson Cupboard, the various businesses, churches, clubs, schools, & individuals who conducted food drives on our behalf, too many to mention but know that your help is greatly appreciated!

Volunteer Board Members: Mike Randall, Amy Wierda, Cathy Poindexter, Shirley Craighead, Kathy Cummings, Ali Dunford, Therese Metherell, Evan Molyneaux, Paul Vogelheim, Jim Ryan, Amy Brooks Please forgive us if your name was mistakenly omitted but know that your help is also greatly appreciated!

We are located in the basement of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 170 N. Glenwood St.

jacksoncupboard@gmail.org

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VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 5 Continued from 4

community,” Hansen said.

Helping with the Spring CleanUp is also something they do.

Like Rotary Breakfast Club members, Boy Scouts volunteer at a number of events in the valley in addition to helping with the Stage Stop start.

“One troop helps with the setup and teardown of Old Bill’s Fun Run,” said Cliff Kirkpatrick, the Jackson district committee chairman for the Boy Scouts. “Troops also periodically cook meals at the Good Samaritan Mission.”

Kirkpatrick said community service is part of the Boy Scouts’ creed, which state that Scouts have a “duty to others.”

“For Scouts to earn the rank of Eagle they must do a project that benefits the community in some way,” he said. “They have to go outside of things that are directly Scouting related.”

Scouts also pitch in at the Spring Clean-Up and the Teton Raptor Center’s RaptorFest.

In addition to the Breakfast Club,

students Continued from 3

help in the evening to set up or clean up after an event. … I have one or two a day, and they do it out of the kindness of their hearts.”

Though, in fact, they do get a lot out of the experience, Taylor said.

“The interaction, it’s really cool,” she said. “And also, them helping without anything in return, for them to understand that, to give a hand and not ask for anything in return. And the seniors are always so thankful.

They drum up conversation with the seniors and get to hear their stories.”

Alex and Hannsheinz had similar experiences at Colter, making connections with elementary-age kids.

Alex worked with phys ed teacher Warren Ostler, and Hannsheinz worked in classrooms.

“I liked working with the little kids,” Hannsheinz said. “They called me ‘Moustache Man.’ I would walk around the room, help them with what they were working on, grading papers.”

He developed an appreciation for what teachers have to do every

VOLUNTEERS WANTED! No ex p nece erience ssary !

help o t e Lov ers? oth

Volunteer questions?

Contact Jenna @ (307)733-1374 or jhtra.volunteer@gmail.com 308837

Contact Frances Moody at 732-7079 or schools@jhnewsandguide.com. day, he said, and now is even thinking about a career as an elementary school teacher.

“I can see me working with kids, maybe,” he said. “I enjoyed it. I am relaxed about it.”

Alex said he learned patience during his experience and how to adjust the way he plays soccer or kickball when playing with kids half his size.

“It kind of made me feel like a teacher,” he said, “to be in charge of a group of kids like that.”

Coleman said such opportunities allow students to recognize qualities in themselves they might not have noticed before, like being a good role model for younger children.

“It’s such a good experience,” she said of Summit’s service learning unit, but also of youth volunteering in general. “You make connections in the community, learning how giving is good for the soul, and it’s also exploring some vocational options.

“And it’s a good resume builder and good for when they go to ask for scholarships.”

Contact Richard Anderson at 7327078 or rich@jhnewsandguide.com.

Relay for Life JOIN US ON

FRIDAY, JUNE 24th, 5pm-11pm at Snow King Ball Park REGISTER YOUR TEAM AT www.relayforlife.org/ tetoncountywy

Facebook Page:

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COMMUNITY

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CANCER! Everyone is Welcome!

TETON COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION! 308378

clubs

Jackson’s Rotary Lunch and Supper clubs have volunteers who raise money for several causes. For example, Supper Club members have dedicated time to raising money to send high school students to Cambodia and Nepal to build water wells.

The Kiwanis Club of Jackson Hole also places volunteers at events like the Salvation Army Red Kettle drive, the Special Olympics Wyoming Winter Games and car seat inspection events.

Jackson Hole Lions Club members cook breakfasts at the Teton County Fair and on the Fourth of July.

They also direct traffic at Old Bill’s Fun Run and hang several hundred American and Wyoming flags around town for national holidays.

Elks Lodge No. 1713 hosts Mother’s Day brunch, Thanksgiving dinner and Veterans Day dinner — all free to the community — and lends a hand at many events.

There are several more service clubs in town; for a full list visit CFJacksonHole.org and click on “Nonprofit Directory.”

To start a team or join the committee, contact: Janell LaBelle | janell.labelle@cancer.org | 512-490-8780

s! r e t r o p p u s d n a rs e e t n u l o v , u o y k Than

You make our library exceptional In 2015, library volunteers donated an average of 25 hours per day!

tclib.org

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6 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

d cat purrsers n a s e s is k te Dog loving volun

e and love m ti r u o y g n for shari e Shelter! th t a ls a THANK YOoU im meless an HT: with the h LEFT TO RIG nimal

to ALL our a

FROM mber (staff), Shannon, Ki inique, Janelle, Dom , and Janelle (staff) Bonnie LEFT DOGS FROM cy, Lady, TO RIGHT: Lu Lightning Copper, and

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Join Us! Call 733-2139 RYAN JONES /NEWS&GUIDE

Michael and Claudia Schrotz lend their time and labor to a variety of organizations.

Couple wear many volunteer hats

We really appreciate all of our volunteers “Who knew heavy lifting could be so meaningful?”

Whether washing flags or handing out programs, the Schrotzes enjoy the task.

By Julie Butler

S 307.733.2414 | 225 N. Cache | Jackson WY

308391

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ome people are satisfied contributing their time and talent to one or two nonprofit organizations or causes in Jackson Hole. Others have never met a volunteer opportunity they didn’t like.

Michael and Claudia Schrotz fall into the latter category.

“We’re just lucky we have the opportunity to help,” Michael said.

“When you volunteer you win.”

The duo sit on the boards of, are members of or simply make time to help more than half a dozen community entities.

“All of the organizations and services we volunteer with are so diverse,” Michael said. “Each one makes a difference to children, adults, families or visitors.”

The foundation of the Schrotzes’ volunteerism was built in childhood: She was involved in 4-H as a kid, and he was in Boy Scouts, working his way up to Eagle Scout.

Before they moved to the valley 20 years ago they lived in Vermont, where in addition to their full-time jobs they volunteered with Lions Club events, church functions and the like.

Back east Claudia worked as a teacher, and her husband was district ranger for the Green Mountain National Forest.

Here she works at Belle Cose part time and he as the planning and public lands officer for the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

With three grown children and four grandchildren they have the time to both work and volunteer.

“We’re workaholics between the two,” Claudia said. “We work all the time and volunteer all the time.”

One organization they devote a significant amount of time to is the Jackson Hole Lions Club. Michael has served as president.

Some of the club’s activities include sponsoring the annual ’49er Ball, directing traffic at Old Bill’s Fun Run and the Fourth of July parade and preparing breakfasts for nonprofit and community events.

Lions Club members also spend untold hours putting up 280 American and Wyoming flags around Town Square and elsewhere in Jackson for local and national holidays.

The Schrotzes probably spend more time on that activity than other Lions. He hand-washes all the flags after they are taken down, and she

helps rinse them before they both tackle the job of hanging them — 15 to 20 at a time — on clotheslines on their property.

“What are you doing?” a visiting veteran once asked Michael as he was putting up an American flag on the square.

“After I told him, the vet said, ‘Thank you,’ and that made it all worth it,” Michael said.

The couple also volunteer as ushers for the Grand Teton Music Festival and performances at the Center for the Arts.

“We get to know the patrons and hear wonderful music,” Claudia said of the music festival. “It’s like our ‘date night.’”

The couple also lend their time and effort to the Community Resource Center, the Community Foundation, the Senior Center of Jackson Hole and the Howdy Pardners — good will ambassadors who do things like greet arriving visitors at Jackson Hole Airport.

Claudia also joined the Elks Club a couple of years ago. She said the organization “helps so many people in the community.”

She also helps cook the community dinner offered free to the public Wednesdays at the Presbyterian Church, and recently began training with the Community Safety Network to offer support to the people who turn to that organization.

“The fun part of volunteering is helping people,” Michael said. “What makes our time spent volunteering worth it are the happy, satisfied faces of the people at an event or performance. That for us is a success.”

Claudia said their promise to each other is that neither will volunteer the other for something. She said she bought cocktail napkins that read, “Say no to the sign-up sheet.” She places one on Michael’s placemat at dinner from time to time.

“It’s a reality check,” she said.

Both agree that one is never too young to start helping in the community, and they applaud the schools for requiring students to engage in community service.

“If you start volunteering as a child, at some point it suddenly clicks how satisfying it can be,” Claudia said.

The enthusiastic volunteer couple encourage other residents to follow their lead.

“We invite people in the community to come join us,” she said. “Whether it’s for five minutes or five hours, you can help make a difference.” ​ontact Julie Butler via features@ C jhnewsandguide.com.

VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 7

THE CENTER

307.734.8956 | JHCENTERFORTHEARTS.ORG

309089

8 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Giving time to Grand Teton park

Volunteers make a huge difference in the park’s ability to take care of visitors and tend to trails and historic buildings.

By Mark Huffman

N

ot all people imagine their summer vacation or retirement and think “work free for the government.”

Luckily for Grand Teton National Park, some do.

The park, with little more than 100 full-time employees and a budget of $12.5 million, can’t keep up with the work it has to maintain, repair and clean up all of its property and equipment. It can’t man all the information desks or lead all the flower walks, doesn’t have staff to prevent historic buildings from collapsing or keep the tourists from attempting to take selfies with grizzlies.

The park relies on citizens who have been overcome with good will and a devotion to the park system to step in and do a lot of that work without pay — just for the love of the park.

“They make a huge difference in our ability to take care of visitors,” said Megan Kohli, the manager of youth, outreach and volunteer programs at Grand Teton National Park. “There’s not enough bodies to do all the work when we have 3 million visitors pass through in just four months. The level of service visitors get is really improved by volunteers.”

It’s a two-way relationship. Volunteer Dick Greig said he gets as much out of the time he gives to the park as a bicycling ambassador as he gets from his contribution.

“Being able to give something to make it a better place is very rewarding,” he said.

The value of the volunteer work has been of growing importance in recent years, with the park seeing a steady rise in visitor numbers while its staff hasn’t grown to meet the surge. The seasonal workers the park used to depend on to perform many jobs are now in much shorter supply. In 2010 the park had 237 seasonals to work in the busy summer, but in 2012 the number was down to 180 and

MIKE R. JACKSON / COURTESY PHOTO

Volunteers repair the roof of the Reed Moulton Homestead cabin on Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park. A restoration project in August 2014 focused on stabilizing the 1890s-era structures. Keeping the park’s historic resources from crumbling is just one of many roles of Grand Teton’s volunteers. Last year they gave the park about $1 million of free labor.

in 2013 it was only 154.

The work volunteers do “changes every year according to projects we have going on,” Kohli said, but there are some standard duties. Those are primarily in “interpretation” — explaining to visitors the park, its policies and its nature — and in resource management, the labor required to keep tens of thousands of acres, hundreds of buildings and dozens of miles of trails in good condition.

Among the most visible volunteers are the Wildlife Brigade, members of which are detailed to direct traffic at places where wildlife and curious visitors can get close enough for discomfort. Two places they’re often seen is managing bear jams where famous grizzly 399 and her brood dawdle along

the roadside near Jackson Lake and dealing with people who don’t realize that bison along Antelope Flats are a lot faster and more testy than they look.

Another big job, but one much more often out of sight, is done by volunteers who work to preserve historic buildings in the park. Those people, this year reorganized as the “Hammer Corps,” put in a lot of tool-wielding time that keeps the park’s 695 “historic resources” from crumbling, Kohli said.

Other volunteers work on the String Lake Brigade — which patrols the extremely popular area to keep people and their lunches away from bears looking for snacks — the park’s backcountry patrol, its bike patrol, its trail maintenance volunteers and

2015 Volunteer Program 2015 Volunteer Program 2015 Volunteer Program See park on 9

135 dedicated 135 dedicated 135 dedicated volunteers volunteers volunteers St. John’s Medical Center thanks our dedicated volunteers!

2015 Volunteer Program 2015 Volunteer Program

135 dedicated 135 dedicated volunteers 3,900 hours served volunteers

4/1/15 – 3/31/16

3,900

liVing center Janet Anderson Lynn Apel Tisch Brown Michael Burke Doris Bystrom Bette Caesar Carol Connors Verena Cushman Elizabeth Drapela Debbie Geckeler Sue Hall Grace Hammond Diane Hanson Yvonne Henze Pam Hill Earleen Horn Barb Huhn

1916 2016

Ted Izzo Marilee Jaquith Lisa Jennings Amanda Kinley Jackie Larson Maralyn Larson Marlene Lang Robin MacLeod Susan McCracken Mycah Miller Sylvia Raumaker Sally Ruosch Sean Russer Carol Schwender Craig Schwender Nikki Thompson Ilene Zwerin

hours served hours servedcontacted patients patients contacted patients contacted patients served

24,400

wheelin’ fOr healin’ Ed Schmitt OncOlOgy hours served patients contacted Carol Schneebeck Judith Schmitt Rebecca Studer Donna Clark & VOlunteens Hours served in: Hours served in:Hours served in: De Schoonover Jane Sullivan Becky Frisbie Dylan Anderson Hours served in: hours served patients contacted • Oncology Care • Beale • Carol Oncology • Spiritual CareStaiger• SpiritualBrianne Spiritual Care •Marge Oncology Glick • Spiritual• CareOncology Mary Rick Walls • Front Desk • Living Center • Front Desk • Living Center • Front Desk • Front Desk • Living Center • Living Center Chuck Webber Zelazo Hartnett • Education & SpecialBarbara •Patty Pet Partners Events Marlise Combe • Cart & Newspaper Service • Hospice • Pet Partners • Events Education & Special Events & Special Events • Pet Partners • Pet &Partners • Education Special • Education Denise Joy Mallory Harrower Hours served in: New• Trainees: Trainees: •Service Jane Kusek Cart & Newspaper Service • Hospice • CartNew & Newspaper Cart & Newspaper Service • Hospice •JoyHospice Denise • Oncology • Spiritual Care Deedee Breason Matthew Bart Dave Mills Julie Matzke • Front Desk • Living Center Will Davenport Steve Duerr Warner • PetJilly Partners • Education & Special Events Jueliet Menolascino • Cart & Newspaper Service • Hospice Robin Gallivan Debbie Geckeler Henry Williams Regan Meyring Alice Grant Margaret Harris Rene’ Woodmencey Sam Miller John Hisey Denise Joy Jenny Stearns Sarah Kerr Sue Morgan Meals with Izzy Trott Jackie Larson Sue Perkins a MissiOn Christie Laughery Hamish Tear Pat Patrini Other serVices Kate Lucas Sue Riesch (Joint replacement, George Moran spiritual care Christy Sing Dinner with a Doc, Marguerite Moran Verena Cushman Meggan Stordahl health fair, front Desk, Kristi Nielson Carolyn Daily Joni Upsher Music, newspaper Cathy Ward David Dominik Polly Weaver Delivery, administrative) Annette Eastman Nancy Wilbrecht Travis Brant pet partners Elisabeth Evarts Chelcie Yonke Devin Corey Lisbeth Beise & Godiva Leslye Hardie Franz Camenzind Andrew Byron & Hoback Bill Hill hOspice Jackie Crawford Carolyn Daily & Sam Suzie Kirvinskee Mickey Babcock Vickie Giles Tessa Enright & Dexter Maralyn Larson Bette Caesar Anika Holmquist Suzie Kirvinskee & Zeta Elizabeth Masek Elizabeth Gerhard John Huff Nina Lenz & George Trent Moore Christine Goodman Olga Johnson Robin McGee & Roxy Ben Nardi Linda Judge Dedre Mills Karla Pendexter & Rufus Stuart Palmer Dedre Mills Dave Mills Amy Rojo & Tiki/Finn Pastor Ben Pascal Debbie Phillips Hadyn Peery Pam Sather & Ozzie Sue Perkins Patty Pappas-Staley Jamie Pruess Amanda Soliday & Otis Jim Radda Ellen Rein Bayless Sword & Hoback Dillon Smith Katie Robertson Ellen Sanford Ellen Wilson & Tracy Louisa Sandvig Casey Stout Becky Schell

3,900

we are are also also grateful grateful We to all all those those who who generously generously give give their time their and timesupport by serving by the on serving the st. on John’s St. John’s Medical Medical center Board Center Boardthe of of trustees, Trustees, the St. John’s st. John’s hospital Hospital Foundation foundation Board board of directors, and of Directors, and the the St. John’s Medical st. John’s Medical Center Auxiliary. center auxiliary.

3,900 24,40024,400 24,4003,900

24,400

Please let us know about any errors or omissions. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call 739 7541.

625 E. Broadway, Jackson, WY

307 739 7541

tetonhospital.org/volunteers

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VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 9

JULY 22 - JULY 31, 2016

Thank you to the many volunteers that continue to contribute their time and effort to the Teton County Fair.

Your hard work is truly appreciated.

BRADLY J. BONER / NEWS&GUIDE FILE

Grant Teton National Park Wildlife Brigade volunteer Carol Shoner watches bear 610 and her cubs on Willow Flats with tourists in early July 2011. Shoner and her husband, Phil, volunteered with the group to help mitigate wildlife jams in the park.

If you are interested in volunteering at Fair this year, please contact the Fair Office at 733-5289.

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you see behind the scenes.”

Bike volunteer Greig, 71, moved to Continued from 8 Jackson in 1971. After he retired he its vital visitor center staffs. met one of the park’s bike ambassaThere are even less glamorous jobs, dors. He heard about the work and Kohli said, such as pulling invasive decided he and his wife would try it. weeds — “you need a lot of hands,” The job is riding and talking to a lot she said — and cleaning the park’s of people, he said. restrooms: “We never get volunteers “One of the primary things we do to clean bathrooms. We’d love to have is represent the park,” he said. “A lot help doing that.” of tourists enter the park. They might Over a typical summer the park see somebody where they pay the fee has about 130 people volunteer for and then they don’t see anybody else, full-time work. When you account for so we’re a personal contact.” those who work from a few hours to a He explains where people can couple of weeks, ride and what the number of the rules are, free summer helps manage helpers reaches bear jams, tells more than 1,500, of the sights to Kohli said. Last see and answers year she tallied questions about about 40,000 anything a behours put in by fuddled visitor volunteers. Kohli might want to estimates that He’s also – Dick Greig know. volunteers give an emergency Grand TEton National Park volunteer the park $1 milcamera operator lion of free labor for many people. every season.

“My God, I Included are don’t know how church groups, service organizations many pictures I’ve taken,”Greig said. like Rotary Club, Boy Scouts and em- “Otherwise one member of the family ployees of local businesses. Grand is missing.”

Teton Lodge Company is a leader, Besides the PR, he also cleans up, Kohli said. There are tour companies grabbing any trash he sees along the that market vacations that combine paths: “My philosophy is that if peofun with volunteer work. Another big ple don’t see any waste around on the contingent is retirees who are “on the ground they won’t throw it around circuit,” Kohli said, moving from park themselves,” Greig said. to park, often in RVs, to see the country Greig said the work is all part of and contribute something in the years being a member of the community. after their work careers are ended.

“We’ve lived here, raised a family For all of them, she said, it’s the here,” he said. “We just wanted to parks themselves that are the lure. pay back for some of the things we’ve “For a lot of people it’s a meaning- received and help other people enjoy ful way to connect with the park,” she the area.” said. “They love the place so much, and they want to know it intimately, Contact Mark Huffman at 732-5907 and you don’t know the place until or mark@jhnewsandguide.com.

Photo by Sue Ernisse

park

“Being able to give something to make it a better place is very rewarding.”

Meghan Wood works with a Short-eared Owl in rehab at Teton Raptor Center.

IN 2015

Teton Raptor Center couldn't function without the support of our incredible flock of TRC Ambassadors. Every day of the year, volunteers at TRC support our mission to advance raptor conservation through educational programming, research projects and rehabilitative care to injured, ill and orphaned birds of prey.

AMBASSADORS GAVE

YOU CAN JOIN OUR TEAM!

HOURS TO THE BIRDS

May 4th from 5:30-7pm at St Johns Episcopal Church.

5,091

Attend Ambassador Orientation on

CONTACT VOLUNTEERS@TETONRAPTORCENTER.ORG TO SIGN-UP. 307623

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Volunteers are the key to literacy at TLC. We are grateful for your time and dedication.

THANK YOU!

Cheyann Galicia

James Mathieu

Kathleen Gutierrez

Cindy Knight

JD Slattery

Kathy Cottam

Maydeline Melendez

Aaron Scher

Betsy Beristain

Claudia VanRemoortere

Jen Givens

Katie Mannen

Mckenzie Reed

Abbey Moore

Bill Hoglund

Cristine Wehner

Jim Thorburn

Kelsie Schwartz

Mike Lutz

Alex Dawson

Bill Maloney

Dabney West

Joannie Epstein

Kendall McCune

Mike Wierda

Amy Staehr

Blakeney Spong

Damaris Lopez Rios

Joe Burke

Kris Gridley

Nancy Carson

Andy Carson

Bob Zelnio

Darlene Jones

John Good

Kristan Rostad

Nathan Watson

Ann Carruth

Bridget Murphey

Debbie Schlinger

John Lummis

Kristie Ralston

Nina Joubert-Bousson

Anne Stalker

Carmen Bedolla Perez

Diane Winder

Jon Scott

Lane Centrella

Noah Barnhart

Antonina Profatilova

Carol Maloney

Emily Jennings

Joyce Butchner

Lee Bauknight

Patrick Trucco

Arthur Corontzes

Caroline Berner

Esperanza Carrillo Granados

Juliet Born

Liz Poniarski

Paul Hansen

Barb Scher

Carrie Kruse

Hayden Peery

Kate Lucas

Madeline Ewing

Peter French

Bella Morris

Cathie Burkland

Ian Tyree

Kathleen Belk

Matt Rodosky

Petria Fossel

For volunteer opportunities please contact, laura@tetonliteracy.org or call 307-733-9242

Randy Reedy

Shawn Means

Rhonda Watson

Sloane Gordan

Rob Zoppel

Sue Hebberger

Robyn Reedy

Tyler Harlow

Rose Novak

Wren Buchenroth

Ruben Cruz Sandy Strout Sarah Kerr

10 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

RYAN JONES /NEWS&GUIDE PHOTOS

Frances Clark makes an entry for an early-season meadowlark near Kelly on March 16. She logged the sighting in the Nature Mapping database.

Countin’ critters

Intuitive and accessible, Nature Mapping lets the public help wildlife managers.

By Mike Koshmrl

T

he find of the day came before Frances Clark even had much of a chance to leave her car.

Pulled over near Gros Ventre Junction, Clark was peering into a spotting scope fixed on a small yellow-chested bird perched atop a shrub. The spotting, at least for a birder in early March, was an exciting one.

“First meadowlark of the year,” Clark said. “This is why we Nature Map.” Later she corroborated the noteworthiness of the early-season meadowlark. A field guide labeled it “accidental,” “out of range” and “rarely seen in winter.”

“Very special,” Clark said.

Nature Mapping Jackson Hole started as a way to give revered naturalist and News&Guide columnist Bert Raynes a new charge after the death of his wife, Meg. Although once autonomous, it’s now a program of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation.

A form of citizen science, the program allows Jackson Hole residents to log sightings of all types of wildlife while providing details like species, location, habitat type and more. After being validated the data is pooled, and it can be accessed by scientists for research or wildlife managers who need to make decisions.

Since its inception about seven years ago Nature Mapping has grown steadily.

About 350 people have received the official in-person training, earning them the right to contribute to the online database. Of those perhaps 100 people are active users of the Nature Mapping database, Clark said.

There have been over 40,000 Nature Mapping entries all told. The sightings range from mundane types of critters like ravens and Canada geese to rarely seen birds and mammals.

Some people, of course, are more avid Nature Mappers than others.

With nearly 1,200 entries in a recent seven-month span, Jackson resident Tim Griffith

Clark is not only a Nature Mapper but also the volunteer coordinator for Nature Mapping Jackson Hole.

is among the most prolific of Nature Mappers.

“Some would call it anal,” Griffith said.

The pen and paper come out while the retired Indiana transplant is in the field anyway, but twice a week he sets out solely for the purpose of contributing to the Nature Mapping database. Asked of his favorite sighting and entry yet, Griffith lets out a “wow” as if there’s no way he could possible pick one.

“You have to realize I’ve never lived in a place like this, so everything I see is pretty memorable,” he said.

To Clark, who is Nature Mapping’s volunteer coordinator, part of the allure of the program is that it’s a way to tie into a new community. Potluck dinners and events like the annual spring Moose Day count convene the citizen scientists.

Contributing is also a feel-good volunteer activity, and not just one that helps people,

Clark said. “This is really to have fun and give back to the wildlife in a very neutral way by putting dots on the map.”

Some Nature Mappers, like Griffith, use a printed form to keep track of their sightings and enter it electronically later. Since 2014, though, there has also been a slick mobilefriendly data entry form to simplify the task.

The process of logging an entry online takes about three minutes.

Mammals, birds and amphibians are all fair game, but for now insects and fish aren’t categories in the database.

Moose, Clark said, are the most commonly logged mammal. Just minutes later she eyed two large brown masses that stuck out in the sagebrush east of Blacktail Butte. Into the Nature Mapping database they went.

Contact Mike Koshmrl at 732-7067 or environmental@jhnewsandguide.com.

VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 11

Tutors give young readers a leg up Students make huge strides with consistent one-on-one practice.

By Ben Graham

K

atie Mannen started her own law practice at the beginning of this year. But that hasn’t kept her from one of her most important clients.

Each week she spends an hour at the Teton Literacy Center with Joshua Correa, a fourth-grader at Colter Elementary School.

While Joshua speaks perfect English, his first language is Spanish. The sessions with Mannen give him a chance for one-on-one attention to work on improving his reading and writing skills, which are things he has struggled with in the past.

During a session in March the pair began by asking each other how their weeks had been going. Joshua wasn’t too excited about the state testing, known as the Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students, or PAWS, that he and his classmates had begun. But his birthday was earlier that week, and he received $90. That was awesome, he said. Mannen had him write his feelings out on a dry erase board.

After they were caught up on each other’s personal lives, Joshua picked a book from a box that he keeps at the Literacy Center. He prefers science topics. He and Mannen went through it line by line.

A similar scene has played out over the past two years for Joshua and Mannen.

Laura Soltau, executive director of the Literacy Center, said that kind of consistency can be a boon for young students. And that has been the case with Joshua.

“Josh last year was one of the students who had the largest growth,” she said. Mannen “has been irreplaceable in increasing his confidence.”

The Teton Literacy Center offers a variety of volunteering opportunities. Most helpers have full-time jobs, Soltau said. Some are even seasonal residents. Because of the variety of programs the organization offers, there are a bunch of ways people can get involved.

Mannen has been volunteering at the Teton Literacy Center for four years. She graduated

RYAN DORGAN / NEWS&GUIDE

Katie Mannen tutors Colter Elementary fourth-grader Joshua Correa at the Teton Literacy Center. Mannen, a full-time attorney, gives one hour of her time each week to coaching Joshua on his reading and writing skills. She has been working with him for two years and said he is making great progress. “I think we’re a good fit for each other,” she said.

from law school at the University of Wyoming in 2012 and worked at the Teton County Prosecutors Office. Her new firm, which she started in January, is called Mannen Law. She specializes in family, criminal and landlord-tenant law.

Despite all of her work obligations, Mannen is avid about her dedication to volunteering.

It’s something her parents instilled in her. And working at the Teton Literacy Center gives her a chance to give back while also watching firsthand as young students take academic leaps forward.

“It’s fun to see the progress the kids make,” she said.

“It’s great that they’re here,” she said. “They embrace being here.”

Mannen has witnessed Joshua’s improvement over the past two years. Reading comprehension was something he struggled with. He was behind compared with his classmates, but now he’s catching up, Mannen said. He gets excited about reading.

“I think we’re a good fit for each other,” Mannen said.

Contact Ben Graham at 732-7074 or town@ jhnewsandguide.com.

Thank You 2015-16 Volunteers!

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered at the Museum in the past year. You are the heart of our Museum community, and continue to inspire us with your generosity and talent. We couldn’t do it without you.

D = Docent | W = Wyoming Sage Society (>500 Hours Volunteered) Cathy Adkins Vickie Atwater Laurie Bay Jan Benz - W Sally Berman - D,W 2015 Volunteer of the Year Heather Black Ed Brenegar Karen Bressler Greg Brondos - W Susan Brooks - D,W Jim Byrne - D,W Sally Byrne - D,W Lisa Carlin - W Terrie Castillo Susan Chambers - W Sarah Clancy Stefan Conway Jane Curtis Patricia Dempsey Jamie Dunphy Susan Erickson Colleen Fitzgerald Lisa Claudy Fleischman - D Juanita Flores Pamela Flores

Walt Gerald Natalie Goss - W Marilyn Gschwind - D,W Sharon Gunberg Gigi Halloran - D,W Diane Hanson Bill Holmes M.A. Holmes Barb Huhn Des Jennings Whitney Jensen Alison Jones - D,W Ann Keller Diane Key - W Charlotte Kidd Cornelius Kinsey Louise Koegler - W Carla Kussner Harry Lawroski - W Mary Ann Lawroski - W Anne Lippold Kip MacMillan - D Jane Malashock - D Steve Malashock Bob Martin - D,W Pat Martin - W

Frank Masuelli Dan Matzke Julie Matzke - D,W Nancy McCarthy Maggie Moore Molly Moore Erika Muschaweck - W Ann Nelson Milessa Oritz Claudia Perry Judy Pilgrim - W Cynthia Quast - W Edward Richstone Karen Rockey Ben Roth Pam Sanders Ellen Sanford - D, W Carol Schneebeck - W Regina Schultz Colleen Sosnicki Claudette Stern Ron Stevens Caroline Taylor - D Bobbi Thomasma - D,W Kathryn Turner Martha Van Genderen - D,W

Marsha Wackerly - W Mary Waid - W Jessie Walsh Mary Willis - W John Wilson - W Whitney Wright Suzanne Young

307-733-5771 | Open Daily | Just 2 Miles from Jackson and GTNP | WildlifeArt.org Sculpture: Bart Walter (United States, b. 1958), Wapiti Trail, modeled 2005, cast 2007. Bronze. Lifesize. Purchased with funds generously donated by an anonymous benefactor, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © Bart Walter. Sculpture: Bart Walter (United States, b. 1958), Wapiti Trail, modeled 2005, cast 2007. Bronze. Lifesize. Purchased with funds generously donated by an anonymous benefactor, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © Bart Walter.

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12 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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STOCK PHOTO

Dedicated volunteers staff the Community Safety Network crisis line, ready around the clock to try to help people who are in abusive relationships or are concerned about someone who is.

Help is always just a phone call away

OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTAINS CATHOLIC CHURCH

HUMILITY, SERVICE, and LOVE We thank our teachers and ALL the volunteers who serve our parish and community!

Crisis hotline volunteers stand by 24/7.

By John R. Moses

S 307808

Thank You, VOLUNTEERS! •

With your investments of time and energy, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is able to stretch our membership dollars. Our community is strong because we work together.

•

VOLUNTEERS makE ViTaL CONTRibUTiONS to Special Events, Board and Committee Leadership, Visitor Services, Internships, the Howdy Pardners Ambassador Club, and more.

Would you like to get involved?

Call 307.733.3316 or email info@jacksonholechamber.com to learn how you can join the team.

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ometimes the phone doesn’t ring. But when it does, Jessica Egenberger or another Community Safety Network crisis line volunteer will be there.

Egenberger and a dedicated group of volunteers are ready to try to help people who are in abusive situations or concerned about others who are.

“You’re not there to solve their problem,” Egenberger said. “You’re there to help them make a plan.”

The crisis line (307-733-SAFE) is advertised on stickers posted in restrooms and other places where someone who needs help might easily see the number.

Volunteers go through many hours of specialized training and learn about the services offered by the Community Safety Network, including its shelter for women.

“The shelter is a safe place for females and their families,” Egenberger said.

There are as many as 25 volunteers on call. Egenberger said a shift could start at 5 p.m. and end at 9 a.m. the next day. Egenberger said the most calls she has fielded during a shift over more than a decade of volunteering was two — one real and one a prank.

Calls may come from someone who is a victim of domestic violence or rape, or who feels suicidal or knows someone else who does.

Volunteers also get calls from men and women who are concerned about someone they know, a friend or family member they fear is in a dangerous situation.

“Our volunteers are pretty hard core,” said Sharel Love, the Community Safety Network’s executive director.

They undergo several introductory training sessions when they join and then have monthly training sessions.

In all there are as many as 60 trained community volunteers who can step in if needed, with a core of around 25 very active members, Love said.

For some the volunteer work doesn’t take place only at home.

“There are times I’ve been called into the hospital,” Egenberger said, to lend support and guidance to a victim who may be in shock or just needs someone to talk to.

Volunteers can give options about what to do and what could happen next.

“We are an advocate for them,” Egenberger said.

People in abusive relationships sometimes face a host of emotional and

Community Safety Network P.O. Box 1328 Jackson, WY 83001 Office: Call for directions: 733-3711 Hotline: 307-733-SAFE (7233) “All calls are answered by professional staff or trained advocates who are ready to provide shelter, plot safety plans, make referrals, and perhaps most importantly, empathize with the complex dynamics of domestic violence,” the website reads.

General Info: info@csnjh.org Founded: 1981 Founding Board Members: Nancy Athene, Sandra Pope Becker, Marilee A. Enright, Carol A. Lewis and Laura L. Wilson Primary fundraising source: Old Bill’s Fun Run and online and other donations.

Estimated annual budget: $700,000

financial obstacles to leaving those relationships. Volunteers need to have compassion and understanding.

“Most of all there is no judgment,” Egenberger said.

Sometimes volunteers discuss getting the police involved or how safe someone and his or her children will be after that individual leaves the hospital. If a woman needs shelter a volunteer can lead her to that safe haven.

It’s not all phones and emergency room visits. Egenberger said she has also baby-sat the children of people who are staying at the shelter so they can go to a job interview, get legal aid or just “go and get done what needs to get done.”

Volunteers come from many backgrounds. Some have had experiences directly with these issues, and others were drawn for different reasons.

Egenberger was completing a degree in criminal justice, and the volunteer hotline training qualified as course credit.

She had no idea she would keep at it all these years as she settled into a career at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

She said a lot of the Community Safety Network supporters are like her: “Once a volunteer, always a volunteer.”

The Community Safety Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that relies on donations.

Contact John R. Moses at 732-7063 or john@jhnewsandguide.com.

VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 13

TBOR.ORG 307-739-1180

545 S. WILLOW ST JACKSON, WY 83001

ADOPTION IN THE TETONS ADVENTURES PLUS ARCHERY AERIAL BOUNDARIES, INC. (GLOBAL COMMUNITY PROJECT) AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 43 AMERICAN RED CROSS OF WYOMING, BRIDGER-TETON BRANCH ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER ANIMAL SHELTER-JACKSON/TETON COUNTY ART ASSOCIATION OF JACKSON HOLE AVALANCHE AWARENESS FOUNDATION AVALANCHE FORECAST SUPPORT ORGANIZATION BLIND OUTDOOR LEISURE DEVELOPMENT (B.O.L.D.)BOUNDLESS BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA - TROOP 268 BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA-TROOP 67 BUFFALO FIELD CAMPAIGN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION PROJECT CENTER FOR RESOLUTION CENTER FOR THE ARTS CENTER OF WONDER CENTRAL WYOMING COLLEGE - JACKSON CHARTURE INSTITUTE CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER CIVIL AIR PATROL - TETON SQUADRON CLIMB WYOMING COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH COMMUNITY ENTRY SERVICES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNITY SAFETY NETWORK THE COUGAR FUND CRAIGHEAD BERINGIA SOUTH CRAIGHEAD ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE CUB SCOUTS OF AMERICA - PACK 268 CUB SCOUTS OF AMERICA - PACK 40 CULTURAL COUNCIL OF JACKSON HOLE CURRAN-SEELEY FOUNDATION C-V REGION V BOCES SCHOOL DANCERS’ WORKSHOP DAVEY JACKSON CHAPTER OF NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION DUCKS UNLIMITED OF JACKSON HOLE EAA CHAPTER 1049 EARTH FRIENDS WILDLIFE FOUNDATION EASTERN STAR FOUNDATION OF JACKSON HOLE EDUCATION FOR OUR FUTURE EL PUENTE (HEALTHMAP) ENDEAVOR WILDLIFE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH FRIENDS OF PATHWAYS FRIENDS OF TETON COUNTY FAIR GIRLS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING! GOOD SAMARITAN MISSION GRAND TETON ASSOCIATION GRAND TETON MUSIC FESTIVAL GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION GRAND TETON SKATING ACADEMY GREATER YELLOWSTONE COALITION HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE GREATER TETON AREA HELP SAVE THE ARCHES HOBACK VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION HORSE WARRIORS HOWDY PARDNERS INSTITUTE FOR ETHNOMEDICINE INTERCONNECTIONS 21 INTERNATIONAL PEDIGREE STAGE STOP SLED DOG RACE JACKSON BRONC BACKERS JACKSON COMMUNITY RECYCLING JACKSON COMMUNITY THEATER JACKSON CUPBOARD JACKSON HOLE CENTER FOR GLOBAL AFFAIRS JACKSON HOLE CHILD CARE HELPERS JACKSON HOLE CHORALE JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY BAND JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY COUNSELING CENTER JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY GARDEN JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY HOUSING TRUST JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY RADIO, INC. JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL JACKSON HOLE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE JACKSON HOLE COWBOY JUBILEE JACKSON HOLE CRIMESTOPPERS JACKSON HOLE ELDERS JACKSON HOLE FIGURE SKATING CLUB JACKSON HOLE FIRE/EMS JACKSON HOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM JACKSON HOLE JAYCEES JACKSON HOLE JEWISH COMMUNITY JACKSON HOLE KAYAK CLUB JACKSON HOLE KIWANIS, INC. JH LACROSSE CLUB JACKSON HOLE LAND TRUST JACKSON HOLE LIONS CLUB

COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY

Our members are supporters of hundreds of the Jackson Hole region community organizations.

JACKSON HOLE MUSIC EXPERIENCE JH POLICE DEPARTMENT MOUNTED POLICE JACKSON HOLE PONY CLUB JACKSON HOLE SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION JACKSON HOLE SKI AND SNOWBOARD CLUB JACKSON HOLE STINGRAYS JACKSON HOLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA JACKSON HOLE THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION JACKSON HOLE TROUT UNLIMITED JACKSON HOLE VALLEYBALL JACKSON HOLE WEED MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION JACKSON HOLE WILDLIFE FILM FESTIVAL JACKSON HOLE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION JACKSON HOLE WRITERS CONFERENCE JACKSON HOLE YOUTH SOCCER JACKSON PFLAG JACKSON USA WRESTLING CLUB JACKSON YOUTH BASEBALL JACKSON YOUTH HOCKEY JAZZ FOUNDATION OF JACKSON HOLE KEEP YELLOWSTONE NUCLEAR FREE LADRILLOS PARA LOS ARTES LATINO RESOURCE CENTER LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT ORGANIZATION LEVI DOWELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND MAHARISHI INVINCIBILTY CENTER MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF WYOMING MARY MEAD EMERGENCY RESPONSE MOOSE CORNER DAY CARE MORAN VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION MOUNTAIN BIKE THE TETONS THE MURIE CENTER NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE GEOSCIENCES NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WILDLIFE ART NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN WYOMING NEW INITIATIVES IN PUBLIC EDUCATION NORTHERN ROCKIES CONSERVATION COOPERATIVE OFF SQUARE THEATRE COMPANY OLD WILSON SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER P.E.O. CHAPTER BG PARTNERS PAWS OF JACKSON HOLE PC FUND FOR ANIMALS CHARITABLE TRUST PEOPLE SPREAD LOVE PIONEER HOMESTEAD/FRIENDS OF PIONEER HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF JACKSON HOLE PURSUE BALANCE READ RIGHT FUND RIOT ACT, INC. THE RIVERWIND FOUNDATION ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION JACKSON HOLE CHAPTER ROCKY MOUNTAIN MINISTRIES ROTARY BREAKFAST CLUB OF JACKSON HOLE ROTARY CLUB OF JACKSON HOLE FOUNDATION ROTARY SUPPER CLUB CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION RUSSIAN CLUB OF JACKSON HOLE SALVATION ARMY OF JACKSON HOLE SANTA CLAUS FUND SENIOR CENTER OF JACKSON HOLE SHEPHERD OF THE MOUNTAINS LUTHERAN CHURCH SIERRA CLUB - TETON GROUP SK8 JH, INC. SLOW FOOD IN THE TETONS SNAKE RIVER FUND SNOW KING VOLUNTEER SKI PATROL SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF JACKSON HOLE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WYOMING ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH OUTREACH COUNCIL ST. JOHN’S MEDICAL CENTEN AUXILIARY ST. JOHN’S MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION START BUS TED JONKE MEMORIAL SOCCER SCHOLARSHIP TEEN POWER, INC. TETON ADAPTIVE SPORTS, INC. TETON BACKCOUNTRY HORSEMAN TETON COUNTY 4-H TETON COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION TETON COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD TETON COUNTY JUNIOR MISS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TETON COUNTY LIBRARY FRIENDS AND FOUNDATION TETON COUNTY PAL TETON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH TETON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 TETON COUNTY SEARCH AND RESCUE TETON COUNTY SHERIFF’S AUXILIARY TETON COUNTY VICTIM SERVICES TETON COUNTY/JACKSON PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT TETON GEOTOURISM CENTER TETON FREE CLINIC TETON JUNIOR CYCLING PROGRAM TETON LITERACY PROGRAM TETON RAPTOR CENTER FUND TETON SCIENCE SCHOOLS THE TETON VALLEY RANCH CAMP EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC. THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LANDS TETON VILLAGE SPECIAL FIRE DISTRICT TETON WELLNESS INSTITUTE TETON YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES TETON YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND TROUT UNLIMITED - WYOMING WATER PROJECT TURNING POINT PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING OUTREACH - JACKSON BRANCH VISTA 360˚ WESTERN WATERSHEDS PROJECT WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY WILSON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. WOMENTUM OF THE EQUIPOISE FUND WYOMING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY-TETON CHAPTER WYOMING CHILDREN’S SOCIETY WYOMING GLOBAL LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE WYOMING HIGHLANDERS WYOMING K9 SEARCH AND RESCUE WYOMING OUTDOOR COUNCIL WYOMING WETLAND SOCIETY/TRUMPETER SWAN FUND WYOMING WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION YELLOWSTONE-TETON CLEAN ENERGY COALITION 308409

14 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Jackson’s art scene fueled by helpers

Donated time keeps the wheels turning at nonprofits, connects volunteers with creative world.

By Erika Dahlby

A

t the Art Association of Jackson Hole volunteers aren’t just extra help for the nonprofit, they’re essential to its operation.

Two hundred volunteers do everything from cleaning studio spaces to handling clerical work to assisting with the many events the nonprofit puts on. The annual Art Fair, the Whodunnit anonymous art show and sale, the Christmas Bazaar, Soup for the Bowl and the Mudpots sale wouldn’t happen without the many arts boosters who donate their time.

“Volunteers keep our events going,” volunteer coordinator Laura Zepko said. “There is no way that we could follow through with the amount of events that we do without volunteers.”

Travis Goodman and Chas Marsh, owners of Jackson Hole Still Works, contacted the Art Association looking for an artist to help with their distillery’s new label. Afterward the entrepreneurs felt obligated to return the help. They have manned the Art Association’s booth at the Art Fair, donated time to local galleries and sometimes brought product for events.

“As a small budding start-up business we can’t afford to give away too much stuff, but we can afford to give our time,” Goodman said, “and it’s usually for some awesome purpose.”

Goodman and Marsh grew up in artistic families, so they have an appreciation for the creative world and incorporate it into their business. They have been instrumental in the Artist of the Year search, in which artists compete for prize money and to get their work chosen for the new year’s vodka label.

Goodman and Marsh raffle off the winning piece and donate the proceeds to the Art Association.

Last year they raised almost $8,000 in the effort.

“I think to us it’s a bit of a connection with the art we create,” Marsh said. “It’s liquid in a bottle.

We are artists of a different type, but we share in that passion.”

Laura Davenport has been able to share her passion for music with her 11-year-old daughter, Ame-

RYAN JONES /NEWS&GUIDE

Volunteers Shirley and Dan Thomas draw winners during the Art Association’s Whodunnit show and sale in March.

lia. When Davenport isn’t working in the finance department of Teton County School District No. 1 she and Amelia can be found at the Center for the Arts, checking tickets up front or manning a booth for JacksonHoleLive.

“It kind of makes it a family affair,” Davenport said.

Amelia has her own name tag and uniform at the center and is already learning about the benefits of volunteering. It’s rewarding to give your time freely, Davenport said, and it’s a great feeling to teach her daughter that she can contribute her time without expecting anything back financially.

But volunteering does have its perks. Amelia has a box of signed playbills and has seen more shows from backstage than most people.

“It doesn’t have that old meaning of going and volunteering and sticking it out and do what you can and go home and forget about it,” Davenport said. “Everything we’ve done with JHLive and ushering, it’s fun. It’s almost like you’re not giving anything up. It’s just really worth it. Our pay is seeing a fantastic show on the ground floor and in the front.” ​ontact Erika Dahlby by calling 732-5909 or C emailing features2@jhnewsandguide.com.

THANK YOU! Teton County Emergency Management would like to thank the volunteers of the following agencies for making Jackson Hole a more disaster-resilient community. Without your hard work and dedication we wouldn’t be able to provide the critical services the public truly needs in times of crisis.

THE AGENCIES AND WHAT THEY DO ARE:

American Red Cross of Wyoming, Jackson Team

Teton County Community Emergency Response Team

Sheltering and feeding of people in disasters, disaster mental health services, emergency preparedness training for the public, and disaster damage assessments.

Neighborhood emergency response in large disasters, public fire extinguisher training, emergency responder rehabilitation unit, and surge capacity for local emergency response agencies.

VOAD BOARD MEMBERS: Church of Latter-Day Saints | Jackson Cupboard PAWS of Jackson Hole | Redeemer Lutheran Church Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole | Teton Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church

PAWS of JH Disaster Animal Response Team

Teton County Emergency Operations Center Support Staff

Sheltering, feeding and care of animals during disasters.

Volunteer staffing of Teton County’s EOC during emergencies.

Teton County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Collaborative group of critical voluntary agencies that have agreed to assist the Jackson Hole community with unmet needs such as food, clothing, emergency funds, volunteers, crisis counseling, and other services during disasters.

MEMBERS: Community Resource Center | Cornerstone Church | Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area | Jackson Elks Lodge #1713 | JH Community Counseling Center | JH Horse Rescue | Kiwanis Club of Jackson Hole | National Museum of Wildlife Art | Rotary Club of Jackson Hole | Salvation Army | Shepherd of the Mountain Lutheran Church | St. John’s Episcopal Church |Teton County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) | Teton County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (RACES) | Teton County Systems of Care | WY Department of Workforce Services-Jackson Workforce Center

SUPPORT: Teton County Emergency Management | Bridger-Teton Branch, American Red Cross | Teton County Public Health | First Western Trust

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VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 15

Doing good for others is good for you Research shows volunteers reap mental and physical benefits from giving back.

you,” Schmitt said. “It just gives you such a mental boost. I’ve come out of the hospital, and the patients don’t know but they do more for me than I’m sure I’ll ever do for them.”

It’s a concept that Sneed also found in her study that showed an association between volunteering and a greater increase in psychological wellbeing and physical activity compared with those who don’t volunteer.

By Melissa Cassutt

S

ylvia Raumaker took a year off after retirement, which was just enough time for her to decide she really needed to get another job.

“My personality is such that I can’t just sit around every single day,” Raumaker said. “I’ve got to be out and about.”

She’s out and about so much in Jackson Hole that she has made volunteering a full-time position, logging hours at the Senior Center of Jackson Hole, American Red Cross and Community Safety Network, and serving as a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Emergency Response Team.

“I was getting sedentary,” Raumaker said of her post-retirement hiatus.

“I think the mind was starting to get a little mushy, just not having a lot of interaction.”

Raumaker, who is in her 70s, said keeping busy is what has kept her young after retiring. Research shows she’s probably right.

The Health Benefits of Volunteering, a collection of research released by the Corporation for National and Community Service, shows that numerous studies support the notion that volunteers reap mental and physical benefits from their service.

The population that appears to gain the most benefit is senior adults, generally of retirement age or older.

Possibly due to increased life satisfaction, sense of purpose and social interaction — outcomes reported by

“The patients don’t know but they do more for me than I’m sure I’ll ever do for them.”

— Judy Schmitt hospital volunteer RYAN JONES /NEWS&GUIDE

Volunteer Sylvia Raumaker checks coats at the Whodunnit show in March at the Center for the Arts. She was named the Jackson Hole Senior Center’s Senior of the Year for her volunteerism. “My personality is such that I can’t just sit around every single day,” she said.

numerous publications — one study found volunteers age 65 and older generally struggled less with depression.

The effects are physical as well, said Dr. Rodlescia Sneed, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Pittsburgh who specializes in gerontology.

Sneed, alongside Shelton Cohen, published a study in 2013 that found that older volunteers who logged at least 200 hours in a year were less likely than those who didn’t volunteer to develop high blood pressure.

“We haven’t really pinpointed exactly what the cause of the relationship is between volunteerism and health,” Sneed said. “One thing that we have observed is that people who

do volunteer work are more physically active in general.”

Take Judith Schmitt, for example, who rides her horse almost daily, visits the gym several times a week, cross-county skis in the winter and hikes in the summer — in addition to being a volunteer for St. John’s Episcopal Church and St. John’s Medical Center. She will be 79 in June.

“I personally feel that when you quit you’re done,” Schmitt said.

Schmitt feels the social interaction she gets while volunteering is largely to credit for the cascade of health benefits volunteers enjoy for giving back.

“I really think that when you have social interaction, it is so good for

“Essentially what researchers have observed is that volunteerism is associated with a number of positive outcomes,” Sneed said. “People who do volunteer work live longer, in study after study. They have less disability.”

While the benefits of volunteering have been well documented, when it comes to protecting the health of a community Jackson may just have a leg up. Age aside, it’s not a population that knows how to be sedentary, Schmitt said.

“It’s the whole atmosphere in Jackson — there’s no such thing as retirement,” Schmitt said. “There’s no such thing as downtime. You’re in a place where everybody is active.”

Contact Melissa Cassutt at 732-7076 or county@jhnewsandguide.com.

Thank you for

SAFETY

Thank you for

HOPE

CSN’s volunteers help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking find safety and hope. Any time of the day or night.

Thank you to the many women and men who help as advocates, colleagues, donors and board members.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance wants to thank all of our volunteers who give so much of their time and energy to protecting the wildlife, wild places, and community character of Jackson Hole.

We would not be able to achieve our mission without you.

If you want to get involved with the Alliance, sign up at

jhalliance.org/get-involved/volunteer 308557

24-Hour Help Line: 733-SAFE (7233) Office Line: 733-3711 www.csnjh.org

Submit your events to our

FREE Community or Diversions Calendars at jhnewsandguide.com/calendar. • Deadline: Noon Monday 308298

16 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Many hands make quick work

Each spring Norton marshals hundreds to keep Jackson Hole clean and beautiful.

By Jennifer Dorsey

S

ome people see litter and wonder what kind of slob has the nerve to toss trash on the street.

Dan Norton takes the more practical, some might say charitable, view that most of the litter along Teton County roads and sidewalks happens by accident.

“A lot of debris seems to be a lot of things that blew out of the back of a pickup,” he said. “Or someone got in the car and forgot about the cup of coffee on top.”

No matter why the litter landed, Norton plays a big role in seeing that it doesn’t linger. Each spring the president of Nelson Engineering coordinates the community Spring CleanUp, marshaling an army of volunteers to clear away winter’s debris so residents and summer tourists can enjoy the tidy version of Jackson Hole.

The Spring Clean-Up tradition dates back to 1969. The volunteer effort was run by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce for a long time but has been a Rotary Lunch Club project since 2004, Norton said. He coordinated the event when he was on the chamber board and has done the job for nine of the years it has been under Rotary’s umbrella.

“It’s not difficult,” he said of his role, “but it takes some time to make sure it all gets done.”

He emphasizes that he doesn’t fly solo. Those helping him include Mac Dukart of Teton County Integrated Waste and Recycling, Phil Cameron of Energy Conservation Works, Sarah

ASHLEY WILKERSON / NEWS&GUIDE FILE

Kayli Genzer, 8, treks through the deep vegetation with fellow 4-H members on the side of Highway 22 during the 2014 Spring Clean-Up.

Beninga of First Interstate Bank, who arranges for breakfast items for volunteers, people from the town of Jackson’s special events and Public Works units, and Jennifer Goe in Norton’s office.

One of the main tasks for Norton is to get the word out. Generally about 300 people come out to the Spring Clean-Up, but the number goes up and down depending on the weather and “how well we advertise,” Norton said.

Though the mass trash pickup is always the second Saturday in May — May 14 this year — folks need reminding. So in March, Norton contacts Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H and the many other regulars.

“We send letters to all the adopt-ahighway groups and service groups to remind them to put it on their schedule,” he said.

Among them is the Kiwanis Club,

which longtime member Dave Auge estimates has sent a crew to collect trash on Spring Clean-Up Day for at least 26 years, and probably more.

“We started out taking whatever section we were assigned by the coordinator,” Auge said. “We have been doing our section on the north highway from Flat Creek out to the motel probably at least 10 years now.”

It’s a community service, Auge said, and it also provides a nice opportunity for Kiwanians to interact with the Key Club, the high school affiliate of Kiwanis, on a joint project that only takes a couple of hours.

Though Spring Clean-Up is an old event it isn’t stuck in its ways. If you didn’t lend a hand last year, for example, Norton reminds that the main meeting spot is now Phil Baux Park at the base of Snow King Mountain. Com-

mand Central used to be Town Square, but then the Clean-Up was partnered with a much younger event, the EcoFair, which is held in the park.

The other two meeting spots are Hoback Market and the Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center.

Orange garbage bags remain a tradition — the color makes it easy for pickup crews to see them — and about 600 will be handed out at the 9 a.m. start.

Bags in hand, volunteers will fan out to pick the streets clean of cigarette butts, miniature liquor bottles, hamburger wrappers and other goodies.

“We do the whole county,” Norton said. “There’s probably 133 miles of streets, roads, highways and pathways that get cleaned up.”

Volunteer trash picker-uppers will, as always, be fed when their morning’s work is done. But with the pairing with the Eco-Fair that tradition has been tweaked: Volunteers will receive a voucher they can bring to one of the vendors at the fair.

“It gives them more variety,” Norton said. “It helps the vendor and helps us.”

Not infrequently Spring Clean-Up volunteers find money on the streets.

Last year, Norton said, one woman found a $100 bill.

He can’t promise cash, but he can promise satisfaction to those who come out to tend to a strip of Jackson Hole.

“It’s exercise,” he said. “Why not walk a few miles and pick up some trash while you’re at it?

“The thing that’s most satisfying is when we’re done and you see all these orange bags on the highway and you see the green grass popping up and there’s no trash,” he said. “You’re doing something for the community. There’s the satisfaction of seeing it done and making our valley look prettier.”

Contact Jennifer Dorsey at jennifer@ jhnewsandguide.com or 732-5908.

DON'T GO THROUGH LIFE

WITHOUT GOALS

Thanks to the many volunteers in our organization we are able to help our kids reach their goals. Without their commitment and constant dedication we would not be the fastest growing youth hockey program in Wyoming.

Join us in celebration as we salute our success and recognize our volunteers and hockey community.

FRIDAY, 308675

April 29th at 6pm at Spring Creek Ranch

Tickets available at www.jyhockey.org 99999999

VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 17

Service counts at Housing Trust Volunteer work moves applicants up the list for affordable homes.

OUR

By Johanna Love

VOLUNTEERS

O

f course volunteering helps others and makes you feel good, but did you know that it could help you obtain an affordable home?

As part of its selection criteria the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust gives preference points to applicants who “demonstrate commitment to community by way of their volunteer duties on behalf of local causes,” according to HousingTrustJH.org.

A selection committee also weighs the importance of someone’s career to the community, said Carrie Kruse, operations manager with the private nonprofit Housing Trust.

“Considering volunteerism and employment in our selection criteria gives us a broader picture of how a person contributes to our community overall,” Kruse said, “and helps ensure that we are offering affordable homes to people who are truly committed to the amazing community of Jackson Hole.”

Unlike the Teton County Housing Authority, the Housing Trust doesn’t hold a lottery for its 118 homes as they become available. Instead applicants are chosen from the top of a list. They are ranked higher given their years on file, years in the region, employment — and community involvement.

The system helps the nonprofit offer home ownership to people who help make Jackson Hole special, said Bill Collins, chairman of the Housing Trust board of directors.

“We really want to value involvement and commitment to the community in selecting the buyers of Housing Trust units,” Collins said.

Amanda Soliday had both a critical job and important volunteer work on her application with the Housing Trust. She works as an EMT and has trained and organized Wyoming K9 Search and Rescue teams for about 25 years.

In 2009 she was selected to purchase a home in the Flat Iron neighborhood near the base of Snow King Mountain.

She lives there along with Otis, a dog with many talents. The 4-year-old golden retriever is certified to locate and rescue people from water, buildings and avalanches. He is trained to trail someone’s scent or find a cadaver. In his spare time he enjoys visiting people in St. John’s Medical Center as

Thank You!

Without you there would be no show.

308547

head heart hands health BRADLY J. BONER / NEWS&GUIDE FILE

Amanda Soliday, a dog trainer and handler with Wyoming K9 Search and Rescue, owns a home in east Jackson that she bought in 2009 via the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust.

part of Teton County Pet Partners.

“People in my monetary bracket don’t generally donate money because we don’t have it,” Soliday said, “but we give our time, which is equally important if not more.”

Kevin Pusey, a homeowner via the Housing Trust since 2004, volunteers as a DJ with KHOL community radio and as a coordinator with Make-AWish Wyoming. He also just signed up to train with Hole Food Rescue.

During his radio show on Saturday evenings, Pusey plays everything from psychedelic tunes to classic rock, sharing his love of music.

He became a “wish granter” with Make-A-Wish to “try to help children and families in need,” he said.

He greets families arriving for their dream vacations, helps them with their itineraries and facilitates wish granting for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Growing up with four adopted siblings, two of whom are mentally challenged, Pusey said he knew the importance of being kind.

“I wanted to focus any available free time I had to try and help children and families in need,” Pusey said.

Being a homeowner has helped the chef, caretaker and climbing guide achieve stability “by not having to worry about being kicked out of somewhere,” he said. “I also have a place to store all my toys.” ​ ontact Johanna Love at 732-7071 or C features@jhnewsandguide.com.

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”

-Sherry Anderson

Teton County 4-H Volunteers are inspiring the next generation!

Thank you for all you do for our community!

We would like to thank our outstanding volunteer leaders: Erin Abel Chance Abel Marty Anderson Sarah Atkins Carolyn Auge’ Anjie Beard Kayla Bonilla Dave Brackett Paul Brakke Diana Brown Jay Buchner Joey Budge Cola Budge Shawna Burge Joe Burke Amy Collett Chris Collett

Jeff Daugherty Reed Dayton Candace Dayton Josh Dieckmann Stacey Dieckmann Trudy Funk Mary Gove Tiffany Grant Wade Grant, Jr. Jill Green-Gust Becca Griber Gwen Hansen Pat Hardeman Courtney Hodges Barb Huhn Cindi Jacobsen-Brinton Jared Kuhns SaraLee Lanier Justine Logan

Kathy Lucas Deb Lutz Becky Mitchell Deirdre Morris LaRee Moyer Allison Neely Krista Nethercott Shannon Owens Theresa Paradis Tamara Rammell Pam Romsa Gayle Roosevelt Tracie Westergard Amy Wilson Dana Wilson Meredith Wilson Brandi Wilson Buck Wilson Andrew Wilson

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Contact the Teton County 4-H Office at 733-3087

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309143

18 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Ocean Sailing Team courts teen crews

Organization is counting on young sailors to help win a race on the Pacific.

ing how to use the wind to make a boat go fast. They are learning valuable life lessons as well, Bailey said.

“There’s a lot of downloading weather files from the Internet and putting it in your PC and optimizing the route and deciding the course and speed,” he said. “There’s a lot of thinking to do.

“It’s a great intellectual exercise for them, and it also allows them to see the reality of what it takes to really get something to work well.”

By Clark Forster

T

he Jackson Hole Ocean Sailing Team will embark on its third voyage April 22 when the inland sailors race in the 125-mile Newport to Ensenada race.

The crew is made up of seven adults and six teenagers, and they are all local residents.

The Jackson Hole Ocean Sailing Team is a nonprofit organization that helps teach kids the ins and outs of sailing and the life lessons that go along with being a sailor. The organization competed in two races last year as it began to convince the valley’s young people to test out their sea legs.

This year George Bailey, the organization’s president, scheduled another race he knew would entice the youngsters.

“What I discovered, and this is probably no surprise, but kids like it if it sounds cool,” Bailey said. “Sailing to Mexico? That sounds cool. They definitely want to do that.”

Six youths and seven volunteer sailors will depart from Newport Beach, California, for Ensenada, Mexico, for a not-so-dry run on the Pacific.

The race will help the inexperienced teenage sailors learn the ins and outs of how to sail the open seas.

But this isn’t just a learning experience. The team has the same objective as the other 363 boats competing.

“The goal is to win,” Bailey said.

“I wouldn’t guess we will, but we will aim for the win.”

The win wouldn’t be the team’s first. In 2015, sailing on Bailey’s boat the Santa Cruz 52, the crew placed

“Sailing to Mexico?

That sounds cool.

They definitely want to do that.”

COURTESY PHOTO

The Jackson Hole Ocean Sailing Team practices on Jackson Lake but competes farther afield.

Later this month the inland sailors will do the 125-mile Newport to Ensenada race.

first in the Midwinter Catalina Island Race. The crew was mostly made up of the experienced sailors who head the organization, but a couple of local teenagers tagged along.

This time half a dozen youngsters will be held responsible to make sure Hokahey, Bailey’s other boat, makes a name for itself at what Bailey said was the biggest race on the West Coast.

“When you’re in a race and you’re working a position, you’re accountable for getting the job done,” he said.

But Bailey said he has an enthusiastic young crew that is eager to take on the challenge.

“It’s amazing how quickly the kids learn,” he said. “They love it, they get into it, and for them it’s just one big adventure.”

A boat ride to Mexico is one way to build up the hype for the teenag-

ers. Another way is to have one of the most ripping athletes the valley has ever produced encourage the kids in person.

Bailey had Travis Rice — a worldclass snowboarder and lesser-known sailor — speak at an orientation session on the joys and thrills of sailing.

Bailey said those in attendance were “charged up” by Rice’s lecture.

“The kids admire him — he’s sort of legendary,” Bailey said. “And he loves sailing. He absolutely loves it.”

Any kid who is looking to get into the sport of sailing can join the club.

The club wants both those ready to compete as well as those who are just interested in a new hobby.

Classroom and ground sessions are held to give kids a feel for the boat before they are put into action on the water. And the kids aren’t just learn-

– George Bailey President, jackson HOle Ocean sailing team

Science, engineering and math are all involved, and each member of the crew has to stay mentally sharp throughout three- and four-hour shifts on deck.

Hokahey hopes to hit Mexico 24 hours after it departs. The team will grab some tacos across the border before heading back to California for another full day of learning on the ocean.

Bailey and his crew haven’t decided if they will race again this summer, but kids can hop onboard when the organization holds practice sessions on Jackson Lake in July and August.

Contact Clark Forster at 732-7065 or sports@jhnewsandguide.com.

IN 2015...

“VOLUNTEERS DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE THE TIME; THEY JUST HAVE THE HEART.”

Total Hours Trained:

10,699 EMS Calls:

These names represent the men and women who give up time with family and friends to volunteer for their community.

Fire Calls:

THANK YOU! TOWN OF JACKSON STATION 1 Lt. Bobbi Clauson Zach Berlin Andrew Byron Greg Choolijan Teresa deGroh Lori Ann Donellan Jim Fifles

Nick Furlong Alton George Matt Goewert Tyler Harlow Frank Lane Nate Levinson Daniel Long

Jenn McGrath Carl Pelletier Leo Sanchez Amanda Solilday William Van Gelder Meaghan Wheeler Steve Wurm Sam Zuckerman

TOWN OF WILSON STATION 2 Capt Robert Moomey Ian Cranston Timothy Harland Dean Jarvie

Heath Kuszak Michael LaRosa Cody McInnes Chris Mommsen

Steve Poole Hunter Verde

HOBACK JUNCTION STATION 3 Capt. Todd Fitzgerald Capt. Mike Trumbower Lt. Chris Betsinger Lt. Bernhard Sieber

Chance Abel David Cernicek Jack Hutcheson Jordan Lister

Janet Palermo Lisa Potzernitz Forrest Sandberg Eric Schneider

1,094 414

MORAN STATION 4 Capt. Mack McFarland Lt. Phillip Lamoureux Lt. Camden Pruess Ryan Bock

Ben Cooper Andy Johnson Brian McDaniel Jon Moul

Giovanni Tabacchi James Warren Scott Williams

TETON PINES/WILSON STATION 6 Louise Gignoux Jinmo Kim Cody Lara

Remy Levy Connor Quinn Brenda Sherwin

Nathan Mintz Kelly Stirn

ADAMS CANYON STATION 7 BC4 Jim Tucker Capt. Rob Dearing Capt. Mike Mayer Lieut. Clay Geittmann Jacob Henrie Brad Larson James Little

Ben Mateosky Kevin Rauch-Lynch Chris Schweitzer Matthew Somers Maggie Stewart Mike Sullivan 2015 New Recruits

Personal Sacrifice for the Good of the Whole

309148

VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 19

Teton Adaptive Sports would like to thank

those who commit their time, energy, and support in the effort to provide year round outdoor sports and recreation opportunities for people of all abilities.

COURTESY PHOTO

Evan Koncewicz is a graduate of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance’s Leadership Institute, which has helped drive efforts to involve young volunteers in politics.

Volunteers Rock! tetonadaptive@aol.com • 307-699-3554 309118

An ongoing experiment JH Conservation Alliance works hard to recruit, retain young volunteers.

By Emma Breysse

I

f last year’s Jackson Poll is any indication, if you need volunteers you should ask volunteers to ask their friends for you.

The poll, run by the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, experimented with the idea of a large-scale project that required heavy participation from a group that has historically been a recruitment challenge for area organizations: people in their 20s and 30s.

“It was a complete experiment,” Civic Engagement Director Skye Schell said. “We started with the question of whether people would show up to knock on doors. Tons of people did show up, and it was really the start of us building a network of engaged volunteers and leaders.”

The Conservation Alliance has been building a pool of involved young volunteers by tapping into the town’s social circles through its Leadership Institute, Schell said. Getting the Jackson Poll going is an example.

Each student in that round of the leadership program — conducted during the offseasons — recruited a team of friends and co-workers.

Once the teams showed up for work, Schell said, the goal was to provide enough support to keep their volunteers comfortable with their work by explaining the goals and processes, then keep the experience fun. Volunteers who were especially engaged or expressed interest in a particular program received invitations to participate again.

The same model worked in the fall, when the Conservation Alliance asked that class of Leadership Institute volunteers to recruit friends to call voters in the Phone Bank House Party.

“Our goal was to have people surprised at how fun and engaging it could be to be involved like that,” Schell said.

Those principles have been driving Alliance volunteer recruitment ever since, from getting speakers to public meetings to planning this fall’s voter registration campaign.

First, meet volunteers where they are — preferably using people they already know and want to be around — to get them in the door.

Then provide the support to keep volunteers comfortable. Schell said that when the Alliance asks someone who has never been to a public meeting before to speak, it has a more experienced volunteer or staffer there to answer questions. For larger campaigns time is scheduled to run

through details.

Making political volunteering feel like “the community involvement that it really is” has also been a tool for keeping new volunteers engaged. The Jackson Poll offered pizza and followup discussions at the end of a day’s volunteering, along with a wrap-up party at the end of polling. Groups attending public meetings will gather at a bar or restaurant afterward to talk about how things went.

Soliciting and listening to feedback is also a big part of the leadershipcreation model that the Alliance has pushed for the past few years.

“I think there’s been a lot of latent energy around being involved, especially from young people and especially from young people who have been here awhile but maybe haven’t been involved,” Schell said. “We are trying to tap into that to create leadership.

“We aren’t just interested in volunteers who do only what we tell them. I think it’s a different model than some organizations use. It definitely takes a ton of time and energy to set up, but it’s worked for us so far.”

Trip, 10 Cancer I wish to have a hockey rink

HELP MAKE WISHES COME TRUE. BECOME A VOLUNTEER. Bring hope, strength and joy to children battling life-threatening medical conditions as a Make-A-Wish® Wyoming volunteer. Call 307.234.9474 for more information or explore other ways you can help at wyoming.wish.org.

Contact Emma Breysse at 732-7066 or courts@jhnewsandguide.com.

309037

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

Thank you to more than 330 Nature Mapping Jackson Hole Citizen Scientists and Volunteer Project Leaders.

Thank you to 229 volunteers who contributed more than 1,000 hours in the field in 2015 for our Wildlife Friendlier Fence Program.

THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER THIS SUMMER! LEARN MORE AT WWW.JHWILDLIFE.ORG.

www.jhwildlife.org • 307.739.0968 jacksonholewildlife

jhwildlife 309144

20 - VALLEY VOLUNTEERS, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, April 13, 2016

INSPIRE I NVE ST ENRICH

VOLUNTEER When we invest our time as volunteers and enrich our community, we are all philanthropists. Whether you want to answer a hotline, inspire a young reader or plan an event, you will find the perfect match at Volunteer Jackson Hole.

Connect with the organizations you care about.

Visit www.volunteerjacksonhole.org, the Community Foundation’s free online service.

IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH PHILANTHROPIC LEADERSHIP 245 East Simpson Street • PO Box 574, Jackson, WY 83001 • 307-739-1026 www.cfjacksonhole.org • www.volunteerjacksonhole.org • www.oldbills.org 309141