Ramona Chipman is this year’s Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services’ award recipient of the California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) District I Community Service Award.
She was recognized at an awards ceremony on Saturday for her long-term, and extraordinary commitment to the Novato community.
Ramona has been a volunteer at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, in several capacities, for 20 years.
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She began volunteering at the Margaret Todd Senior Center when the center opened, and will celebrate the Center’s 20th Anniversary in March.
Ramona has volunteered on a weekly basis in the front office of Margaret Todd Senior Center, providing phone and counter customer service, becoming a senior program expert, and offering information and referral to seniors, their family members and caregivers.
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In addition to providing amazing support to both staff and customers, she also serves as the center liaison, and organizer of the 16-piece Big Band known as The People of Note.
In her capacity as the band’s liaison, Ramona has brought 20 years of incredible music listening, and dancing opportunities for seniors, and the community at large to Margaret Todd Senior Center.
She is responsible for negotiating practice space at the center in exchange for the band providing a monthly evening of Big Band music. For many years, the band played once a month, at no cost to the community.
In the midst of City budget cutbacks, Ramona and the band decided to charge for attendance at their monthly event, and donate the proceeds to the Center. With her support, the band has remained committed to playing at many Center events through the years.
Ramona has individually offered her time and service in support of various special events at Margaret Todd Senior Center and beyond. She has worked each year at the Center’s annual Health Fair and Flu Clinic, the Holiday Crafts Fair, and just about any time she has been asked to help – Ramona has been there.
Ramona also serves on the City sponsored 4th of July Parade Committee She has been an invaluable asset to the Committee in arranging pre-Parade entertainment, and ensuring that the role of music in the Parade has continued to improve each year. Thousands of Novato citizens enjoy the Parade and the sense of community identity that it supports.
Our thanks to Ramona for all she does for our City and community!
