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8 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2021 By Andi Henderson and Cathleen Allen Are you having a wonderful time as part of the Four Seasons community? Are you enjoying retirement? But how are you contributing to the world since you retired? One group of people in our community are paying back by volunteering at Carol's Kitchen, an organization that helps the needy by providing them with clothing and hot, nutritious meals. The Kitchen began when one woman, Arlene Ragan, decided to memorialize her daughter by helping others. Carol Ragan was killed by a drunk driver in 1996. She had been studying social work in college when her life was cut short. She was born and raised in San Bernardino and attended Aquinas High School. She graduated with a bachelor's degree and master's from USC before becoming a teacher. Carol's ongoing philosophy was to help those who were less fortunate than herself and she was active in many organizations involving the poor and needy throughout her life. Why set up a kitchen to feed the needy? Her parents decided to set up an organization in her honor to help those people Carol might have helped. Today, that group, Carol's Kitchen, feeds and clothes thousands of people each month at six different kitchens. More than 25 Four Seasons residents have found that Carol's Kitchen is a wonderful place to volunteer. Some peel and slice fruit and vegetables. Some make punch, while others serve the food or do dishes. There are many jobs that need doing. But COVID has had an impact on volunteerism all over the country. We are just now getting back to providing meals to needy guests. Many of the volunteers found out about the opportunity to work there through other Four Seasons volunteers, and all were pleased when they came to help. How do volunteers become involved? Dan Hazeltine said, "My neighbors Jerry and Cheryl Diego mentioned it to me and it seemed a good thing to do. I spend only five hours each week there. The greatest reward for me, besides the camaraderie with the other volunteers, is knowing I'm part of a group that makes a real difference in our community." The Diegos also joined The Kitchen when invited by friend, Kim Olsen. They believe that, "knowing we've been able to make a little difference by helping others is rewarding. Seeing the smiles and hearing, 'Thank you. You don't know how much we appreciate what you're doing,' is heartwarming." They have also met new people and developed lasting friendships. Some people are nervous about joining, and feel that they don't know how to do things. When Mary Winburn volunteered for the first time, she was worried about being new, but found "everyone so welcoming" that she felt comfortable right away. Why should I volunteer? Jean and Marty Bauer have been a part of Carol's Kitchen for more than 10 years and joined when the founders expressed a need for help. They spend approximately four to five hours each week volunteering. Marty has been President of the Board and at that time spent 12-20 hours in addition to being a Kitchen Manager. They are always glad they make the effort to show up. They feel, "it is not someone else's duty to help others; it is ours. We are the vessel through which God helps the poor." Another volunteer, Linda Egle, found that when she retired, she needed something to do to help people. She misses seeing and interacting more with the guests, and looks forward to hearing those grateful "thank yous" again. Terri Albright found that she really missed talking to people during COVID, and this work gave her that outlet. She wants to do more for the kitchen. Marianne Mendoza works at two different kitchens, one in Cabazon and one in Beaumont. She finds the friends she makes to be wonderful and enjoys the things she does. She has been in charge of the handicapped section in Beaumont and says it's fun working with the guests. "I have met people I never would have met." Paybacks Can Be Beautiful

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