Q: In what capacities do you volunteer?

I am currently the president of the Four Flags Area Apple Festival. I have held the position of vice president of administration and I also have been president. I also was treasurer for the Apple Fest for about eight years.

Q: Why do you volunteer with the Apple Festival?
The reason I volunteer with Apple Fest is it’s a great group of people from bankers to managers to business owners to stay-at-home moms. It has been a great experience throughout the years being able to meet different people and being with a group of people that loves to give back to the community. I have been involved this year for 18 years. I do volunteer with the Cass County Draft Horse Club in Cassopolis when I have time and when I am not busy with Apple Fest.

Q: Why is it important to volunteer?
I think it is important to volunteer in order to continue to support the communities we reside within. All the festivals work very hard to ensure a safe place and fun place for all to attend. My brother was killed in the military when he was very young and he was so proud of his accomplishments. I wanted to be like him, but not in the military. When I volunteer and see the smiles on people’s faces I feel we have done our jobs as board members.

Q: What do you enjoy about volunteering with the Apple Festival?
We help make peoples’ days. For instance, when the exceptional citizens get a chance to ride the rides for free, or during the youth day when we serve over 1,000 hot dogs. The exceptional citizens day sponsored by Skerbeck gives everyone out there helping the pat on the back that we all need.  There are a ton of hours put into every festival and some awesome people we have lost or who have moved on to do different things — they are still part of the family of Apple Festival. That’s probably the most rewarding thing about volunteering with them — you become part of the family.