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Volunteer Corner

Amy Edgett/Sierra SunKatrina Veit and daughter, Emily Hackley.
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How did you get involved in volunteering?I started volunteering when Em was an infant. I thought it would be something we could do together. I felt I had to do something out in the community.I got interested in the KidZone during winter. It was a real lifesaver to come here and get out of the house with Em. I started with the exhibits committee. They just happened to be asking for volunteers, and I could bring Emmie with me. It was a perfect situation. Sierra Settlers was the first exhibit for us.And how long ago was that?About two years.What kind of duties do you perform at KidZone?I am on the board as the secretary. I take minutes at meetings, help input the database for members and nonmembers. And I help with the exhibits.Tell me about the space exhibit.The exhibits change every year. This Space exhibit came from the Berkeley Habitot; they were getting rid of it. We also were involved with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, then made an offer for an exhibit, but it was for older children. The KidZone is for ages from birth to 6 years old. Our space exhibits capsule and console came from the Berkeley Habitot, but the rest of it was made by volunteers or donated from the community. Tony Standheiner did awesome metal work, and made the archway.What is a favorite thing about volunteering at KidZone?Its the greatest thing to see how much the kids love it. And to see how they do things we never thought of. We are looking for a larger space so we can expand the age group to 10. Its great to see more and more families coming here, and we need to provide more for them.Your daughter Emily also volunteers?Yes. She helps with meal on wheels. She rings the doorbell and hands out the milk.What do you feel is important about having Emily volunteer?Its good for her to see other ways people live, and it is nice to help others. In the toddler phase I want, help me its good to help other people. And she loves to be around people.How would interested parties get in touch to volunteer?Just stop by the KidZone, 11711 Donner Pass Road, Truckee. For the Meals on Wheels, talk to Lisa at the Senior Center, 550-7600.And you are involved with one more group?Yes, the Arts and Culture Council of Truckee Tahoe. We are meeting with artists around the lake. Ideally, a center with all the arts, including theater and drama, would serve the Incline, Truckee and West Shore. Were thinking five to 10 years down the road, and are using Beaver Creek, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, as models. It would serve a larger age group.Any last words of wisdom?To borrow from Nike, Just Do It. You can find areas in your field of interest and volunteer with a minimal time commitment. Our Meals on Wheels takes an hour a week. Look up handsontahoe.org for ideas.The Sierra Suns Amy Edgett interviewed Katrina Veit and Emily Hackley for this weeks Volunteer Corner. Please send your suggestions to aedgett@sierrasun.com, subject Volunteer Corner. For volunteer opportunities in the North Tahoe Truckee area, visit http://www.handsontahoe.com


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