The Steering Committee donned their FISH aprons to approve the new bylaws and elect the new Board of Directors. With that completed, they reflected on the neighbors who have been recently helped by FISH.

Shirley Blazevich from the Clothing Room shared the sewing machine story noted above while Peggy Carroll told us about a ride she provided to a lady for a local dentist appointment. Upon getting the client to the appointment, Peggy learned that this dentist did not have the proper equipment to ready the tooth for the next step. Peggy got her rider back in the car and off they went to another dentist in town for the prep work. Half an hour later, Peggy returned the rider to the original dentist for the scheduled work. A quick ride turned into a 21/2 hour adventure and Peggy commented, "That is what we do at FISH."

Last month accolades were posted for Anne Shapiro's immediate response to a lady who needed medical equipment to address her post-surgical needs. Faster than a speeding bullet, Anne deliver the needed equipment. The Next Door post extolled the incredible FISH service and Anne's caring response.

Bev Koepplin was contacted by a overwrought father of two young children who was evicted from his mobile home as construction of a multi-dwelling facility was to begin. The father purchased a trailer to relocate out of the area but he did not have the funds to register it with the DMV. After some work to confirm all the details, FISH was able to assist this father. His appreciation was so genuine that it nearly brought tears to Bev's eyes.

And speaking of tears - an email from Elizabeth at Sonoma Valley Community Health Center revealed that the layettes provided by FISH regularly brings tears to the new months' eyes. While providing orientation to three new volunteers, a picture caught the attention of one of our volunteers. It was the Sonoma Valley Quilters Group holding the handmade quits they donate to FISH for the layettes. Our new volunteer noted that she both shivered and had goose bumps over the caring and kindness of the quilters.

We at FISH are delighted to have a new Board of Directors to address the administrative side of the organization so the Steering Committee can, as these examples show, be that helping had to our neighbors in Sonoma Valley.