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THE COAST NEWS
NOV. 18, 2011
Volunteers spruce up park Ceremony honors Citizens of the Year By Christina Macone-Greene
By Promise Yee
OCEANSIDE — Work to help veterans by renovating the grounds of Ivey Ranch Park started early on Nov. 9. Volunteers dug in and dirt flew as irrigation was install, a 21,000 square foot grass riding area was planted, entrance landscaping was replenished, and the10,000 square foot family gathering area was mulched. By noon, 130 volunteers from The Home Depot and The Mission Continues, broke for lunch and a heartfelt group cheer. The project to renovate the grounds of Ivey Ranch Park was one of 320 projects across the U.S. that The Home Depot and The Mission Continues completed to help veterans between Sept. 11 and Nov. 11. “The goal was 200 projects,” Catherine Woodling, communication specialist for The Home Depot Foundation, said. “We did 320 projects in two months.” The Mission Continues gives veterans an opportunity to help fellow veterans through community service. It also gives veterans who participate a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. The Home Depot employees volunteer in community improvement projects year round as part of the company’s mission. Christian Jessel, an employee of The Home Depot in Atlanta, Georgia, was one of the volunteers at Ivey Ranch Park. Jessel said he puts in about 80 hours of volunteer
Volunteer Betty Biller, of the The Home Depot in Escondido, tosses some mulch on the newly planted riding area. Photo by Promise Yee
work a year. “It’s absolutely part of our call,” Jessel said. “I have never worked for a company that gives back so much,” Lisa Ference, manager of The Home Depot in Escondido, said. The Home Depot employees suggested local projects for the two-month service blitz to help veterans. Ivey Ranch Park was selected for renovations because of its Horses for Heroes therapeutic riding program that helps wounded military.
Ivey Ranch Park also provides therapeutic activities for disabled children and adults. Its programs help many military families. Other projects that were completed across the U.S. improved military houses, education facilities and community centers. In Phoenix an outdoor gathering area for veterans was built, in Boston a vocational training center was upgraded and in Washington DC a residence for visiting families of wounded veterans was repaired.
CARLSBAD — City Council chambers brimmed with celebration Nov. 8 as two longtime residents, Hope Wrisley and Jim Smith, were honored as 2010 Carlsbad Citizens of the Year. Mayor Matt Hall presented the awards during the afternoon celebration. “For me, it’s very special and I think it’s special for the whole community,” he said. “We felt that it was very important to have such an event to recognize people in the community who have given back.” Wrisley, 77, is a retired travel agent who has resided in Carlsbad for 47 years. When they heard the news that she was designated Citizen of the Year, many believed she had already earned that title. “So many people thought that I already had it because my husband Ralph and I were named Blade Carlsbad Citizens back in 1992 and it was not from the city of Carlsbad,” she said, adding that this new recognition is wonderful. For decades, Wrisley has been involved in countless volunteering endeavors. With her
Jim Smith and Hope Wrisley. Photo by Christina Macone-Greene
accomplishments ranging from community boards and civic activities to political campaigns, Wrisley has left an indelible imprint. Among her undertakings are the Parent Teachers Association, the Carlsbad Unified School District Board, the Housing Commission and serving as president for both the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Carlsbad. Currently, Wrisley serves on the Traffic Safety Commission for the city of
Carlsbad. “You don’t do things like this to get accolades, but when they do come along it’s nice to know that someone was noticing,” she said. Her newest enjoyment is being part of the Tri-City Hospital Auxiliary Board where she works at the reception desk. “I work hard for the hospital and I think it’s a jewel in our community,” she said. Wrisley said she feels the TURN TO CITIZENS ON B23