From volunteers to ‘Pushups for Polio’ — these Hometown Heroes show the best of SLO County
Editor’s Note: This is part of our Heartwarming Holidays series of stories running through December. Got something special you’d like us to share? Email reporter Kaytlyn Leslie at kleslie@thetribunenews.com.
I felt extra blessed Dec. 13 as I dodged between the torrents of rain and gusts of wind and dashed into my nice, warm home.
When we get there, we — and others like us who are fortunate enough to have a home to go to — can take a deep sigh, surround ourselves with comfort and shelter from the storms of life and lower our stressed-out shoulders (when I was feeling harassed, my late husband used to accuse me of wearing mine as earrings).
Especially in times of trouble and tragedy, home can be a haven that’s so often enhanced by the caring and actions of family members, friends and neighbors, first responders, utility crews and strangers from nearby towns and across the country who step up to help, as they did recently for people in Kentucky and mid-America who no longer had homes to go to.
That‘s what heroes always do.
Take heart, folks: There’s a lot of that heroism out there. Once good people know about a need, they’re on it, quickly.
Friends, family, co-workers, even some strangers — angels, all. No matter where they are, they’re heroes in action, just as people here have always been in an emergency or during someone else’s day-to-day difficulties of life.
Sadly, awareness of that unselfish goodness is often hidden by the smothering mantle of bitterness and animosity that, these days, seems to have overtaken politics, schools, healthcare, entire lives and so much more.
But don’t be fooled. The purity of caring some people have for others, wanting to help them however they can, is still strong in the best of us.
This year’s Cambrian Hometown Heroes
Last December, I highlighted just a few of the North Coast’s Hometown Heroes, among the many people who regularly put their own needs aside to help others whose needs are more pressing and urgent.
They’re still at it, with selflessness and kindness, graciousness, generosity and big smiles.
This year’s Hometown Heroes, of course, continue to show the amazing goodness of spirit and self that have had such positive effects on so many, so often.
How about the season’s incredible Secret Santas, including Judy and Miguel Sandoval, Mike Hanchett, Tala Romero, American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 432, Toys for Tots, University Women, SLO Food Bank and other food-outreach volunteers, and of course, our Rotarians.
That club’s good deeds stretch out to other nations, too, including Iron Man Otis Archie’s 2,921 “Pushups for Polio” sessions. In three weeks, at a buck each, the senior-citizen stroke survivor’s athletics amassed donations that will pay for an amazing 4,868 vaccinations.
“Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” Rotarian Sue Robinson said in a Dec. 15 interview. “But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.”
The 2021 North Coast Hometown Heroes list also includes members of other clubs and nonprofits, teachers, volunteers and one-on-one individual givers.
Volunteers like members of the Community Emergency Response Team and Cambria’s Fire Safe Focus Group, Pat Riley and Kate Novoa (also known as BigSur Kate), who dedicate their time to keeping people aware of dangers and good things, too. Organizers (like CeCe Lomeli) who helped North Coasters get COVID-19 vaccines in town. Folks and groups sponsoring benefits to help families in need. First responders who show up to battle the raging emergency or to change a high-up lightbulb. So many more.
Dedication counts, too. Think of our recent storms and the workers who continued to work to keep us safe, clean and provided for. Yeah, they get paid, but is it enough for some of the conditions under which they do their jobs … in horizontal rain and stiff winds, in the cold and dark of night … long shifts and little gratitude shown?
How about your friendly garbage collectors? Mailpersons, UPS drivers and others who deliver so we don’t have to leave the security of our beloved homes? Utility and road crew members? First responders who run toward the emergency while the rest of us (wisely) are doing our keep-away moves?
The Heroes’ friendship, caring and desire to help can also benefit others one or two people at a time, sometimes once, sometimes continuously for years.
The Tanners’ personal long, long 2021 heroes list includes many volunteer wunderfolks, too, but centers on my tribe of family and friends.
My “tribesters” are loving, caring souls I can count on for a call, a text or email, a hug, a lunch, a shared giggle or help. They’re people I can reach out to whenever my changed circumstances overwhelm me.
Do you have a tribe? They’re the ones who truly care and show it by taking time out of their own busy days to reach out with a call or text. To soothe you when you’re sad, cheer on your successes and walk beside you after a tragedy. They listen when you’re sad, mad or glad. They walk your dog, bring in your newspaper and deliver chicken soup (or Ben & Jerry’s) when you’re sick.
Many others on the North Coast and throughout the county are equally fortunate to have their own “tribes.” Some aren’t so lucky.
If you know someone who is without a tribe, maybe it’s time to help them create one? A call, a card, a plate of cookies, personal wishes for happy holidays and a willingness to help them be that way.
And isn’t this a perfect time to be a Hometown Hero? It can be as simple as reaching out to someone who may be lonely.
Thank you, Hometown Heroes, whoever and wherever you are.
I wish them — and you — a season filled with caring and laughter, the loveliest of holidays and a new year filled with optimism, hope and happiness.
This story was originally published December 22, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
