Volunteer Opportunities

A small cadre gathers once a year to help maintain the town’s most attended event, the 60+ year tradition of fun activities on Independence Day. FoVG pays for bands and provides lights, seating and financial support. We need volunteers to help distribute programs, collect donations and staff the drinks and merchandise table.

Board of Directors Lead: Patty Thayer, President

The seven member Board of Directors is responsible for the annual plan and budget for FoVG and manages the various committees and volunteers. To run for office contact Patty Thayer.

Boat Anchorage – Lead: Roberto Esteves

Among the benefits of FoVG membership is the opportunity to anchor your boat during the summer at the PPP gravel beach. Volunteers assist in setting up and taking down the anchorage chain, sending stickers to the participants and monitoring the chain periodically to be sure only registered members are tied on.

Earth Day Town Cleanup – Leads: Drew Farley. (andrew.lyle.farley@gmail.com) and Colin Mutchler

Associated with annual Earth Day activities, this cleanup of public spaces in Villa Grande includes the parking area at 3rd and 4th Streets, the Town Square and its park around the burne- ouit redwood stump, the VGFD Firehouse Plaza and the trails in PPP. The lead arranges for tools (chain saw, rakes, mowers), orders a dumpster and makes sure the word gets out. Everyone is invited to help out on Villa ‘Grande’s Cleanup Day.

Emergency Preparedness – Leads: Kyla Brooke and Jim Beck.

Being ready for an emergency means connecting to sheriff and fire notification apps, preparing your Go-Bag, reviewing evacuation procedures and participating in a GMRS radio network. The volunteer lead will organize these activities so during a real emergency we’ll all work together to help our neighbors.

Firehouse and Plaza – Lead: Jon Box

FoVG has an agreement with Sonoma County to maintain the historic firehouse building and to keep the surrounding area fire-safe. We need volunteers to help keep the building tidy and the land clear.

Membership - Lead: Roberto Esteves

Our members are the foundation of FoVG and managing annual memberships is an ongoing task. Thankfully, our online system handles the database chore, but the Lead makes sure renewal and thank you letters are generated and sent out, using that same system. The Lead also reports to the FoVG Board with updates about the membership base. Volunteers are needed to contact member about volunteer opportunities and to welcome new members.

Newsletter – Lead: Bonnie Peterson

Two eNewsletters - one for FoVG Members and the second to the broader community - keep everyone informed of goings-on. Volunteers help collect newsy info, write articles and take timely photos which the Lead(s) will collect and email.

Patterson Point Preserve - Lead Kaya Halpern, Restoration Manager, and Rich Holmer

The standing Restoration Committee sets annual goals and budgets for both maintenance activities and new projects in PPP. Drop-in work days are scheduled for anyone to help pull weeds, clear winter storm clutter, plant native plants and mulch the path before the busy summer season.

Recreation – Lead: Varies with each Event

Volunteers help plan the annual membership meeting (Lead: Board of Directors) and FoVG Progressive Garden and House Party (Lead: Andrea Buffa). Bird Watching expedition, Docent tours of the Preserve, and other adventures. FoVG also supports other community activities with volunteers, including potlucks, Halloween and the annual Easy Peasey Talent Show.

Store/Merchandise – Lead: Jessica Mihaly

We need volunteers to manage the inventory of FoVG merchandise and deliver purchases from online sales. The merchandise is also made available at community events, and volunteers are needed to help with those sales as well. Retail experience not required but always appreciated!

Website: Leads: Jim Beck, Leah Roderman & Roberto Esteves