Cheryl Talbert
Our branch wants to give a big shout out to Tom Harvey! Meet this awesome volunteer whose hard work is a huge asset to the Foothills branch community.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST?
Asthma and coffee. My wife Karen and I were living in the Washington, D.C. area when she developed asthma. By the time we left 14 years ago, there were 21 "code red" air quality days – such poor air quality that children, those with immune disorder and asthmatics should not be outdoors. I was working for Starbucks Coffee and requested a transfer to Seattle. At the time, I didn't realize how fortunate that decision was for me.
WHEN DID YOU JOIN THE MOUNTAINEERS, AND WHAT DREW YOU IN?
I joined The Mountaineers in April of 2017, just ahead of my retirement date in June 2017. I had been a solo hiker for years, but with age I felt safer if I could hike with others. I first heard of The Mountaineers through various books I had collected over the years and when I discovered The Mountaineers website I was amazed by the depth and breadth of their outdoor offerings. I knew then I could expand my skills, explore new hikes and meet like-minded individuals. It turned out to be even better than I had imagined.
What's A FAVORITE VOLUNTEERING MEMORY?
I feel very lucky to be able to volunteer. One particular volunteer opportunity I’d recommend is the annual Leadership Conference. The day long programs are amazing! However, my favorite volunteer activity has been the recent "Staying Found" navigation course. When you see a student's face light up after they connect the dots and they can fly on their own, that's a wonderful moment. The sense of satisfaction you get – helping someone gain the skills to venture in the wilderness and do it safely – is a great feeling.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
John Muir once said, "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world". So true. We all share this small blue planet and life is way too short. It's time for me to pay back what has been so freely and graciously given to me. I love the Pacific Northwest and my hope is to become a Youth Hike Leader and help inspire the next stewards of this grand region we call home.
Would YOU like to volunteer for Foothills?
There is a home for you on our Foothills team if you’d like to volunteer to help run a course, teach a skill, plan events, lead activities, or contribute any special skill you have. Learn more about our Foothills committees and contact a committee chair or your branch chair Cheryl Talbert if you’d like to volunteer with us!
