Dems honor local volunteers

Jerry Waldie would be proud. The former Congressman from Contra Costa County and longtime Mountain Democrat columnist would be proud of his local legacy. It is in his memory that the El Dorado County Democratic Central Committee created its tradition to recognize and honor the work of a community volunteer every year.

The Rep. Jerome Waldie Lifetime Achievement Award was inaugurated three years ago, a year before his death in April 2009. Penny Humphreys is this year's recipient, it was announced by central committee chairman Bob Dobrich.

In a prepared statement from the committee, Dobrich noted: "Ms. Humphreys is a longtime board member of the American River Conservancy and has served as chair for the past four years. Humphreys also helped to form PAWED, People for Animal Welfare in El Dorado County, an organization that works to save and improve the lives of companion animals in El Dorado County.

"One of the first female EMTs and volunteer firefighters," Dobrich continued, "she helped start and organize both the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council and the Rescue Fire Protection District. In addition, Ms. Humphreys served as an El Dorado County supervisor, representing District 4. The committee is honored to present the Jerome Waldie Award to Penny. Through many years of volunteerism and lending her leadership to the community, El Dorado County is a better place," Dobrich said.

Humphreys, along with three other honorees were feted at the Democrats' Third Annual Kennedy-Roosevelt Dinner Saturday at the Forni Building on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, where State Controller John Chiang delivered the keynote address.

Dobrich noted that a Community Steward Award was presented to Richard and Betsy Kerr.

"Both retired educators, Richard and Betsy have devoted much of their time to building the Democratic community in El Dorado County. In addition to participating in almost every Democratic activity, they have taken leadership roles by managing the seasonal headquarters, volunteering for candidate campaigns and helping to grow the Democratic community through community outreach. Both are active members of the United Democrats of Placerville."

El Dorado Hills activist Helen Gangursky was presented with the "Democratic Spirit Award" for her years of leadership and involvement in building the Democratic Party in El Dorado County," Dobrich said.

"A retired social worker, Helen has organized voter registration drives and can be seen at all Democratic functions, especially in El Dorado Hills, where she lives. She was a founding member of the Sierra Foothills Democratic Club and served as its treasurer for many years. Helen is also a former member of the El Dorado County Democratic Central Committee."

Dobrich added, “We are thrilled with the choice the committee made in recognizing these three outstanding community leaders. Richard, Betsy and Helen all exemplify what it means to be a Democrat. They have given selflessly to their community.”

 

Chris Daley

Chris has written a weekly column for the Democrat for more than 20 years and has Master’s Degrees in Russian History, Psychology and Career Counseling. He has been a staff writer for a number of years and enjoys it because he "learns so much about so many things."

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