Arlis Hedge

Age: 64.

Family: Husband, Jim; three children, Angela, John and Tara; two stepchildren, Russell and Leslie; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandson.

Residence: Yuba City.

Occupation: Retired.

How long have you lived in the Yuba-Sutter area? About 30 years.

Hobbies, interests: Crochet, travel — we just got back from camping.

For what groups do you volunteer? The Moose Lodge in Yuba City for more than 18 years. I do the shopping and ordering food for the weekly breakfasts and dinners and special projects and have helped with Bike Around the Buttes for about six or seven years and been the women's buffet chair for about the same amount of time.

In addition, I have been the academy of friendship chair and am the "musician" — I do the chimes — for the 9 p.m. program.

Away from the lodge I help my daughter — she is a teacher — in her classroom. I have been on field trips and help prepare goody bags for kids on the holidays.

I always helped my kids when they were in school, went on field trips.

How do you fit volunteering into your schedule? Now that I'm retired I work it in because it's something I really enjoy doing. I know when I have to be here and know ahead of time the schedule functions. When my mom needs me, I go to her in Oroville.

Words of advice: Join the Moose Lodge — we have a lot of functions, there are different things to do. Or maybe join any organization: there's so many organizations that need volunteers.

What do you "get" as a volunteer? The satisfaction that I'm doing something, helping someone or the Moose Lodge. I enjoy being around people.

Why be a volunteer? I think getting out and doing stuff is good for your state of mind. I do it, volunteering, while I can, while I'm healthy.

Is there anything negative about volunteering? I can't keep my house clean!

Quote: "I would rather be out and volunteering, doing something, rather than just sitting at home."

Volunteer of the Week runs Tuesdays. To submit the name of a volunteer to be featured, contact Community Editor Leticia Gutierrez at 749-6552.