Despite the fact that greed is trending and corruption, chaos and cruelty seem to be a thing, it’s comforting to reflect on what is going on here at home — mainly generosity, gratitude, and giving back. There used to be a great old sign at the intersection of Military and E. 2nd St. that displayed emblems from the various service clubs in town — Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Benicia Friendship Club, Soroptimists, League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women — it really told a story. The sign may be gone but the service clubs continue to thrive. While volunteers don’t replace workers responsible for essential municipal operations, they do provide a wide-ranging and critical part in what makes Benicia a great place to live.
Cultural programs, food security, recreation, beautification, disaster response, literacy, and environmental stewardship are dependent on Benicia’s organizations, associations, clubs, boards and commissions, all powered by volunteers. If we paid each Benician who volunteered their time, we would certainly exceed the City budget.
What would this town be if everybody’s values reflected those at the national level. There might be a triumphal arch on First Street, gaudy gold gizmos on the old Capitol building, and algae in the James Lemos pool.
Have been watching some of the home shows on Netflix and been inspired to freshen things up at my place. The result is a downsizing effort coupled with a new paint job. Have driven down to the Camel Barn a number of times lately, my car filled with old treasures, rugs, a giant puppet of Joan of Arc wearing full brass body armor, my sister’s paintings from the Paris flea market, an antique Mexican tin candelabra, gold picture frames, and more. This operation is a well-oiled machine run by volunteers and literally wouldn’t exist without them.
Randi Scott, President of the White Camel Sale, and Marty Young are there three days/week collecting valuables from people’s trunks, and schlepping them into a giant container. Day after day they work in the heat and wind preparing for the yearly fundraiser for the Museum of History on September 5 and 6. If you pay a little extra, you can get free access the night before it opens and have first pick. Have always been taught to get to flea markets early before all of the good stuff is gone and to dress like you’re poor. My friend, Michael told me likes to go as late as possible when things are cheaper. In any event, this one will be a doozy based on the piles of great items down there. I’ve been known to buy back something I’ve donated. mohbenicia.org
Vicki, a relative newcomer to town, owner of NY2CA gallery, is a dynamo in the arts community helping to organize BAGA (Benicia Art Gallery Alliance) and subsidizing creation of the town’s latest mural “Together We Rise.”
Benicia Foundation led by President David Batchelor supports major programs for essential work within the community in a variety of areas. I see that they are partnering with the Majestic Theater on what I assume is a renovation. Can’t wait to see what they come up with — an art movie house, a concert venue, a performing arts center?
There are the volunteers at the Thursday Farmers Market in their lime green vests, and those at St. Paul’s annual Peddler’s Faire who plan and organize all year. There is Capitol Toastmasters and Maker Space. Carol Reed Smith chairs Benicia Parkinson’s Network and along with a cast of volunteers coordinates the annual Benicia Parkinson’s Awareness Rally and the Bill Cawley Memorial Walk. I see artist Vicki Dennis everywhere I go, helping out just about every nonprofit in town. They say if you want something done, ask a busy person. Sorry Vicki!
I was speaking with Ali at Try boutique a few days ago when Arts Benicia board member Betty Lucas walked in to collect a gift basket that Ali had prepared for AB’s Annual Gala: “A Night in Venice,” on October 16, at the Clocktower. A lovely basket was filled with all sorts of goodies — wooden spoons, honey stirrers, brushes, and other objects for the kitchen and bath. artsbenicia.org for tickets.
Benicia has a long history of volunteer activists, predominantly women, who have crossed swords with Valero and potential developers who care only about profit. Still going strong and fighting the good fight are activist and artist Marilyn Bardet, Roger Straw of the Benicia Independent, Elisabeth Patterson, Constance Beutel, Kathy Kerridge, Pat Toth Smith, Mary Susan Gast, Judi Sullivan, and others.
Food security relies on volunteers to provide meals to those who can least afford it like the folks who keep St. Paul’s dinner program going, Benicia Community Action Council, Food is Free Solano, and the First Presbyterian Church.
Bodil and Larnie Fox’s volunteerism touches the arts, music, and political action realms. Artist Lisa Reinertson, a star in Benicia’s art firmament, donated her iconic bronze sculpture “Neptune’s Daughter” to the City where it is installed on the walkway on the shore behind the Tannery. Artist, activist, Susan Street continues to be a bedrock of the community and a welcoming presence around town. Carquinez Village, founded by the late activist and educator Judie Donaldson and author Lois Requist started Carquinez Village which offers a range of essential services to seniors, all provided by enthusiastic volunteers. Jerry Hayes is someone you see around First Street whether he’s talking Benicia history or carrying a sign to protest the corruption in Washington. Then there is Maggie Kolk at Avant Garden, the Tim and Jeanne Hamann Foundation, and the Benicia Theater Group. The Kyle Hyland Foundation Teen Center has been a critical support for Benicia’s youth since its founding.
Benicia Main Street depends on volunteers to produce the Benicia Certified Farmers Market, the Torchlight and Christmas Parades and other events. Hats off to the Benicia Litter Pickers and the Benicia Tree Foundation which planted over 1000 trees last year under the leadership of veteran landscape designer Alison Fleck, now retired.
This is by no means a complete listing of entities and individuals that are holding the center, not even close. Next time you run into a volunteer, please thank them for their service. They are the secret weapon that will get us through the tough times.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead.
Letters From Benicia 