Special to the Town Crier
Beverly and Curtis Chamberlain, 34-year residents of Los Altos, are doers. Quietly and thoughtfully, they give their time and effort helping others have a better life in our community.
Last Thursday, the Los Altos- area Realtors presented the couple with its 36th annual Community Service Award. The award, which is co-sponsored by the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and the Los Altos Town Crier, was presented during the Realtors' luncheon at Michael's At Shoreline Restaurant, in Mountain View.
"It's not easy to pick just one person or persons for this award, but for the last 36 years we have been blessed with capable people. This year's award winners are two unsung people from Los Altos," Lissi Bedford, Seville Properties Realtor said.
Gloria Buckley, a longtime friend and former Los Altos School District teacher, nominated the couple for the award.
"You need a volunteer? Call the Chamberlains, because they have never been without time for the less fortunate. Their combined efforts have made Los Altos a more caring place for all residents," Buckley said.
The theme for the 36th service luncheon was "spring into action," which the Chamberlains have done most of their adult life.
Beverly taught second grade for 21 years at Almond and Bullis schools. She served four years on the Retired Teachers' Association Scholarship Committee, and worked 11 years as a volunteer tutor. In addition, she has been a reader for the Ronald McDonald House for three years.
As a member of the Los Altos First Baptist Church for the past 23 years, Beverly has worked with the church's "Helping Hands" program, teaching English as a second language. She also has been a Bible study fellowship discussion leader at the Los Altos First Baptist Church for seven years.
"As a former teacher I feel that it is payback time, and I really feel I owe something to the community," Beverly said. "I don't feel that we deserve this award, but we will try to return the favor to the community."
Curtis' volunteer works include 1,760 hours at El Camino Hospital working in the coffee shop and as an escort; five years at the police department taking finger prints; eight years on the board of the Los Altos Senior Center, serving twice as president; and one year on the Pilgrim Haven board. For the past three years, he has also volunteered at the Community Services Agency weekly soup kitchen in Mountain View.
Curtis did not make any comment from the podium, but earlier he said volunteer work has been a rewarding experience. "We truly believe in the old saying that the more you give, the more you receive, and we have received so very much from so many wonderful people. We are most grateful."
Numerous past award recipients were present at last week's event, including Billy Russell, award recipient in 1966; Lee Lynch, 1967; Mary Lou Zoglin, 1969; Walter Chronert, 1978; Lucile Liewer, 1983; Grace Johnson, 1984; Rosemary Panec, 1986; Robert Grimm, 1990; Arthur Carmichael, 1992; Aileen Morrison, 1993; Gerald Panec, 1995; Bob and Lynn Davidson, 1997; and last year's winner, Marge Bruno.