The heart of volunteering
The stories of Jack and Alexandra who volunteer through the Sebastopol Area Senior Center
Editor’s Note: Katie Davis, the executive director of the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, shared these striking profiles of two Senior Center volunteers, written by Amena Hajjar. They speak to the value of volunteering in the community. If you have a volunteer story, please let us know at sebastopoltimes@gmail.com.
Jack Mitchell at the Harvest Cafe
Jack’s journey from a long and distinguished career in hospitality to a fulfilling retirement, enriched by volunteering at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center (SASC), is a testament to the power of community and the human need for purpose. His story begins with a chance encounter. A neighbor, Ariel, recognizing his recent retirement and hospitality background, suggested he volunteer at SASC’s Harvest Café. Intrigued after a prior butterfly farm day trip organized by the center, Jack accepted.
Jack’s 30-year career was a whirlwind of experiences. Beginning in San Francisco at the Ritz-Carlton, he humbly recounts serving a diverse clientele. “I once had the entire cast of ‘Waiting to Exhale,’ Nelson Mandela and Marlon Brando.” Emphasizing the shared humanity he discovered in each interaction, Jack shares, “I learned we're all cut from the same cloth.” This profound understanding of human connection shaped his approach to service, anticipating needs and exceeding expectations, a skill he honed over decades.
Jack decided to relocate to Seattle, where he continued his career in hospitality. Jack's inherent attentiveness, a defining characteristic throughout his 25 years at the Marriot Hotel in Seattle, was unexpectedly tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. The absence of banquets, meetings, and regular customers made him adrift. Choosing to return to the Bay Area, Jack moved in with his best friend of 40 years. “We are both seniors. We can look after each other. It’s a wonderful way to age together—here with a best friend.”
Volunteering at the Harvest Café rekindled Jack’s innate ability to anticipate and fulfill the needs of others, leading to a revitalized sense of purpose. His role at the café proves to be immensely rewarding, not only for the patrons he serves but also for his well-being. “It feels wonderful to be doing this again,” Jack reveals. The renewed engagement spurred him to take on additional responsibilities, including assisting seniors with doctor appointments at another local organization. “My grand-niece is getting married in Spain in October, and I needed to find a way to join in this destination wedding. Re-entering the work world is a result of volunteering, I am awakened to this feeling of wanting to help others again, and it is wonderful,” he shares.
Volunteering and retirement have brought a welcome shift in perspective to Jack. “I’m all about being a senior and helping seniors,” he states with a smile. His newfound freedom allows him to readily offer extra shifts at the café when needed, a testament to his dedication.
Jack expresses sincere gratitude for the unexpected opportunities life presents. A day trip to a local butterfly farm offered through the SASC day trip program was on his radar because of his sister-in-law’s love of butterflies. This unexpectedly led him to the SASC, and ultimately, when his neighbor suggested volunteering at the center, a vibrant new chapter in his life was revealed.
Jack volunteers one to two days a week at the Harvest Cafe and recognizes familiar faces at the library. The simple act of being noticed brings him immense joy, highlighting the powerful impact of community belonging. “People come up to me around town and say, ‘I missed you. Where have you been?’ It’s a wonderful feeling to be noticed.”
Alexandra Genetti at The Legacy
Alexandra Genetti resides on a property far out of town. When she was raising her young children, she found herself drawn back to town frequently. A creative artist and seamstress, seeking materials, led to a serendipitous discovery: The Legacy. The shop became a regular destination, evolving from a source for her sewing project fabrics to a significant part of her life. Her innate ability to identify and sort silk fabrics quickly made her an asset to the store. Staff members began leaving bins of fabric for her to organize, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. “It was a wonderful feeling to be useful,” she recalls fondly.
Her children’s attendance at the Waldorf School further integrated her within the community; she taught astronomy and participated in various creative projects. However, after her children grew up and moved away, she felt a new calling and sought a way to further contribute her time and talents. Volunteering at The Legacy became the perfect outlet. “I’ve volunteered one day a week since 2010,” she explains. “It became clear I had a knack for helping with fabrics and threads; arranging the embroidery section is my absolute favorite task.” This passion didn’t go unnoticed.
Britany, the assistant manager, recognizing the talents within The Legacy’s community, saw an opportunity to foster connection and creativity. She approached Alexandra with a proposal: teach an embroidery class. “I said yes instantly!” Alexandra shares. Thus launched the first Legacy class, a 4-part embroidery class held on Wednesday evenings in January 2025, became a resounding success, attracting students from ten years old to over seventy. Alexandra’s own love for embroidery, nurtured since the age of five as a solitary pastime, serves as the heart of her teaching style. “It was a fantastic way for me to occupy my time, especially as an only child with a working mother. It kept me from being bored and it’s something I still love to do and share.”
The Legacy itself is a testament to its community-focused mission. “It’s the most amazing place,” Alexandra enthuses. “Full of heart, love, and special in every way!” It’s a haven for crafters, boasting a visually stunning array of materials, from meticulously organized fabrics and ribbons to countless spools of thread and a wide selection of patterns and books. The shop caters to all ages and skill levels, challenging the notion of crafting as solely a pastime for older individuals. “It’s not just crafty old ladies here,” Alexandra laughs.
Britany and Joanne, the manager, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, ensure the shop’s smooth operation. The Legacy, operating Monday through Saturday, is more than just a store; it’s the lifeblood of the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, contributing significantly to its annual budget. Alexandra proudly highlights the shop’s contribution to the local economy and its commitment to sustainability. “The money you spend here helps support our community; local artists and crafters benefit directly, keeping quality items out of the landfill.”
Alexandra’s personal connection to The Legacy goes far beyond volunteering. It’s become an integral part of her life, enriching her physical and mental well-being. “Volunteering keeps me active and I feel so much better after being there. It’s improved my mental and physical health tremendously,” she confesses. Her unique style, including self-made clothing (even her underwear!), reflects her creativity and independence. The Legacy, with its abundant fabric supply, has even become a source for many of her own projects. “I’ve got bins and bins of fabric— probably over a hundred—and many of them came from The Legacy!” she says with a smile.
For Alexandra, The Legacy is more than just a place to volunteer; it’s a vital part of her community. “As we age, we develop many communities, but my Legacy community is incredibly important to me. My life would be so much more boring without it,” she concludes.
Looking to volunteer? The City of Sebastopol has a Volunteer Opportunities Calendar, which is also available via the Sebastopol Times Community Calendar. Sadly, it is underused, but it is intended to serve the area’s 200 non-profits, which can list their volunteer opportunities there for free. The City also provides general volunteer opportunities through Adopt a Landscape Program, Laguna Wetlands Program and Sebastopol World Friends’ Sister Cities Exchange Program. You can find more volunteer activities via local service clubs here.
Volunteers make the world go round. How can we make the Volunteer Opportunities Calendar vibrant and a "go to" place to help?