Being a Volunteer were it counts

In a time when everyone wants a bit of your cash or time, it is important to choose wisely how you spend the energy and funds you have, making the most of what you have to give. The Renton History Museum relies a lot on the hours of dedicated service that people offer through their volunteer hours at the museum. And the museum knows how to show appreciation too. Yesterday's Fall Luncheon is just one of a handful of similar events that I have been privy to and enjoyed since being in Renton.

I came to fall in love with our little hidden gem of a museum through the Renton History Museum Speaker Program that is sponsored by Humanities Washington. (Check this out - I can't rave enough about the series! next up Mixed Beans Soup - comfort stories with a pinch of nutrition by Karol Brown on Oct.3 at 11am)

If you want to make a difference locally, love the heritage of Renton or just want to interact with the public at large in a really cool setting - the museum needs you. Volunteers will act as greeters on Saturdays for 3 hours once a month. Call (425)255-2330 and ask to speak to Dorota Rahn or Elizabeth Stewart.

Renton History Museum
235 Mill Ave. South
(425) 255 - 2330

Bark it up at the Dog Park - Volunteer

This is just a "bark" excursion for you tomorrow to the Renton Off -leash Dog Park. A big load of bark mulch has arrived and needs to be spread around from 9:30 am until about noon. Email rentonoffleash@gmail.com to sign up. You just bring your gloves, sunscreen and water and the necessary tools for spreading the bark will be provided. A perfect way to begin a Saturday that has an Art Walk, Car Show and the opening of our first independent music shop, Tyrannosaurus Records, to complete the rest of the day.

As you might remember, this dog park has been open since June 29th and has seen a great many happy additions and changes since then. Long rustic benches have been added for a weary dog handler to take a rest. A kiosk has been built and another one will be added at the other end ( more wheelchair accessible) very soon. You still need to bring in water, but the city contractor is finishing hooking up the water line by next week. Shade trees will also be planted so that the 10 x10 ft. canopy will not be the only place to escape the sun.

The Grand Opening Ceremony will be held Saturday, September 19th from 10 am till 12 noon and there will be an official "leash" cutting with city dignitaries and everything, so put it on your calendars now.

Renton Off-leash Dog Park
Driving Directions, click here

Renton's Offleash Dog Park needs you!

Ready to RUFF it up this weekend? The supplies have arrived and the gig is on for the breaking of ground/setting of posts this Saturday and Sunday for Renton's Offleash Dog Park. Exciting to be getting this park started, and so soon after the fundraisers that were successfully held at Vino's at the Landing, and the Dog and Pony Grill and Alehouse.

Volunteers are needed to help fill the rooster of helpers for this weekend's work detail. You needn't have any experience, don't need to even own a pet (though leave yours at home - this is not time for play) - so if you are at all inclined, please follow the link provided here, and join in the fun. Beverages and snacks will be provided and they have a list of what you should bring at the link above.

Thanks to Debbie Englund and Kevin Poole for all they have done to make this happen, and of course, the City of Renton.

Directions? Visit the RUFF website here for that and more!

Ruff will be putting you to work soon - just not this weekend

Dog Park Construction is Canceled for this weekend.

Sorry, anxious dog owners and volunteers to be the bearer of this news. Seems that the fence materials have not "materialized" yet, so the poles will not be set tomorrow and Sunday as planned. The hope is that next weekend, fingers crossed, the plan to begin construction will resume. All of this straight from Debbie Englund, RUFF Operations Committee.

However, here is the link to follow if you would like to volunteer. Join the email list and get regular updates. This is getting exciting folks - a new park, for our furry family members. What a great summer treat.

http://www.rentonoffleash.org/

The Vital Volunteer

Last night at the Renton Senior Activity Center it was crowded and filled with vital, giving souls.

The heart of any city is it's people - and if they choose to share of themselves with others, to help more than just themselves to thrive, then that city becomes a true home to many. Renton is lucky in it's citizenry - they volunteer in the stewardship of our town with their time, experience and wealth of ability.
I have never lived anywhere that hosted an Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet. This is the second year that I have had the honor of attending. The MC was fellow blogger and Council President, Randy Corman. The factoids he delivered concerning the volunteerism in 2008 for Renton was mind expanding. Over 5,000 individuals, logging in close to 65,ooo hours at a total savings to the city of 1.3 million dollars in wages. Wow. The most salient point he made was that most of these "jobs" could never be filled by regular workforce - years of experience is required for some posts and others have people "on call" all the time.

There were those that have volunteered for so many years, that the number eludes them - like Ron Regis (yes, the guy the park is named after) . He volunteers for - you got it, the Parks Dept. and has for over 40 years.

Joe, who sat at my table has been the go-to man for the Baccy Ball Court at the Center for the last 19 years. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morn at 9:30 am - weather permitting.
John Springer met Linda Woo (pictured directly above) after he left years of washing dishes at the Center, and got front and center on the dance floor and met his love, Linda. He now volunteers at the Piazza during the Farmer's Market, and hasn't stopped dancing since.

Shirley Phinney brought along her daughter, Debbie to enjoy the night. Shirley has been working for the Renton Historical Museum for years. No telling the number - Shirley just doesn't know and it doesn't really matter. She just enjoys going and that is all that really counts. Shirley embodies the city's new call for assistance through Volunteering - Now More Than Ever! without even being asked.




Larry Sleeth and Don Persson are often to be found in the kitchen at these events, hustling up the food and doing all the catering. Larry worked for the city for years and is on the board with the museum. It is just a natural for him.

The evening had some lovely moments. It was made all the better by a really good performance by the Lindbergh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble. There was a little Latin flavor in their song selection and a lot of heart in their delivery.

If you want to donate any amount of time - be it one afternoon handing out fliers to finding a more regular niche for your abilities, you can go the City of Renton's website, scroll down to the heading of Volunteers and a whole list of opportunities will present themselves, from ham radio, to the library, Renton River Days, etc.

Randy Corman , Master of Ceremonies and Rich Zwicker, Volnteer Server

When looking across the room, I saw many seniors who have been active for longer than they have raised their kids. The city can always use an infusion of new blood. If those volunteers say anything to me, it's that they were raised with the notion that to give is to receive. I hope future generations will represent as well as they have.

Renton's Own Santas

Today, I met some wonderful women who every year provide Christmas for families of all persuasions,ethnicities,and religious backgrounds. Last year, it was 110 families, but even they had to scale down this year and will be providing clothing, food and toys, wrapped like only Santa would, for 65 lucky homes. These mostly female volunteers work through the auspices of St.Anthony's /St.Vincent de Paul located right here in the heart of Renton. They are retired gals, mostly, who gather from all corners NEW goodies to give to families that would otherwise go without. Much they give from their own pockets - and one key member is battling Chemo treatments while still at the helm of this truly selfless endeavor. They have a few items still left on their holiday list. Times are hard, I know - but if you feel at all like giving locally - maybe a little could go here.Remember, only NEW items, please.
Wrapping Paper, Diapers size3,4,5 ,Diaper Wipes, Footballs/Basketballs/Balls of any type,Makeup Kits for little girls and older,Anything "Hannah Montana", Anything "High School Musical",Bikes(they need 2 more), Gift Cards are always appreciated. Special thanks to Torreros Restaurant for providing their space to assemble the gifts! Contact Pat Kissinger 425-228-6240