STARS celebrates volunteers at The Hub
The Hub, C4C's new working and event space was filled to capacity earlier this month as Sisters Transportation and Rideshare (STARS) gathered to celebrate the heart of its organization - the volunteers. The celebration, catered by Luckey's Woodman, offered great food, drinks, and a lively opportunity for STARS volunteers to connect in person.
Because STARS operates entirely remotely, dispatchers and drivers rarely meet face-to-face. The event gave them a chance to put faces to familiar voices and to meet many of the supporters who help ensure that STARS continues to provide sustainable transportation services in the Sisters community.
Guest speaker Scott Crabtree, chief happiness officer at Happy Brain Science, shared insights on the health and well-being benefits of social connection. His presentation, Building Belonging, co-developed with Carlos Salcedo, St. Charles Health System's manager of community partnerships, highlighted how volunteering not only helps others but also reduces loneliness and supports a longer, happier life. Crabtree's message was especially meaningful - his own mother was once a STARS passenger who benefited from the kindness of volunteers. Organizations interested in learning more about Building Belonging can contact Scott through his website, http://www.HappyBrainScience.com.
The evening's highlight was the presentation of STARS' volunteer awards:
• Dixie Eckford, 2025 STARS Driver of the Year.
• Margaret Smith, 2025 STARS Dispatcher of the Year.
• Norene Gonsiewski, 2025 STARS Spotlight Volunteer.
• John Finley, 2025 STARS Leadership Award.
"These volunteers represent all of the incredible people who make STARS possible," said Executive Director Rennie Morrell. "The cohesiveness of our remote team amazes me. I think knowing how needed and appreciated we are by our passengers is the key. "
Now in its sixth year, STARS continues to grow thanks to dedicated volunteers and community support. The program offers flexible opportunities - volunteers can give as much or as little time as their schedules allow.
To learn more about STARS or to get involved as a volunteer, donor, or sponsor, visit starsride.org. As Morrell notes, "Community engagement is vital - we are
stronger together."The Hub, C4C's new working and event space was filled to capacity earlier this month as Sisters Transportation and Rideshare (STARS) gathered to celebrate the heart of its organization - the volunteers. The celebration, catered by Luckey's Woodman, offered great food, drinks, and a lively opportunity for STARS volunteers to connect in person.
Because STARS operates entirely remotely, dispatchers and drivers rarely meet face-to-face. The event gave them a chance to put faces to familiar voices and to meet many of the supporters who help ensure that STARS continues to provide sustainable transportation services in the Sisters community.
Guest speaker Scott Crabtree, chief happiness officer at Happy Brain Science, shared insights on the health and well-being benefits of social connection. His presentation, Building Belonging, co-developed with Carlos Salcedo, St. Charles Health System's manager of community partnerships, highlighted how volunteering not only helps others but also reduces loneliness and supports a longer, happier life. Crabtree's message was especially meaningful - his own mother was once a STARS passenger who benefited from the kindness of volunteers. Organizations interested in learning more about Building Belonging can contact Scott through his website, http://www.HappyBrainScience.com.
