Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Sarnaker
Karen leads two important teams within EVCNB: Yellow Radio and GoBags. Under Karen’s leadership, the Yellow Radio program has seen a steady increase in trained radio users across the Nehalem Bay region. She has also had a major impact on the GoBag team's efforts, researching products, negotiating pricing and implementing the Pop-Up Shops that have been so successful in getting GoBags out into the community. Recently, Karen has been working to make GoBags more affordable without sacrificing quality. She’s also worked with local agencies to see that GoBags donated by EVCNB are distributed to home-bound seniors and others in need.
We asked Karen about her experience with EVCNB.
What attracted you to EVCNB volunteer work?
We had just moved to Oregon. I had read Chris Goldfinger’s article in the New Yorker in July 2015 about the Really Big One and I realized we needed to become prepared. After a little research I found Emergency Volunteer Corp of Nehalem Bay on the web offering GoBags, Yellow Radio, Wash and CERT classes.
I enrolled in all the classes because I was curious to know more. I was so impressed by this organization, the knowledge, energy, enthusiasm - and they were looking for volunteers! Then Paula Peek asked if I would become involved and who could ever say no to Paula.
How does this work bring you satisfaction?
I retired from teaching after 40 years as a Director of Choral Music and teaching Music Education Classes. I loved teaching and enabling my students to grow and become their best. It seemed natural to continue the process. I enjoy teaching the Yellow Radio classes and supporting others in becoming prepared. And of course, I have the pleasure of supporting EVCNB’s mission and vision.
What else do you like to do with your free time?
I enjoy gardening, cooking, knitting, sewing, spending time with Phryne, our standard poodle, listening to music and making sure our lives are never boring. Most of all, just looking out our windows and marveling at the beauty surrounding us.