On top of that, she has been a caregiver for community locals, friends and family members for years. In her words, giving is a “two-way street,” so she gets as much enjoyment out of her work as anyone else does.
JON HABER: How did you first get involved in volunteering?
DOROTHY POWELL: Well I first got involved through my daughter, Shelley, when I became a Girl Scout leader for her troop. Then, some time later, me and my husband found out the state was going to put a ramp to the 2 Freeway over our house, so that caught our attention. That’s how we got involved in the homeowner group in the Montecito Park Neighborhood Assn.
Q: Why do you think you’ve continued to remain active in volunteering for so many years?
A: I’m like my mom, I guess. She was a very caring person. I’ve been a caregiver for years with friends and family, and to this day I still like to remain active. I just can’t be as active as I used to be.
Q: What would you say is the one event that really catches your attention year after year?
A: With the Assistance League of Glendale, our biggest event is the Festival of Trees. We have 600 to 700 people meet at the Burbank Marriott, and we make a hunk of money through a raffle. That helps us put a lot back into clothes and scholarships for children. It’s the first Sunday in December every year, and the event is so big that we start planning right after New Year’s.
Q: How have you helped contribute to the Glendale Symphony Orchestra Assn.?
