“There is an unsung hero at the Feather River Grange who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism in Plumas County,” said David Matuszak, who teaches country dance lessons in support of the Grange. “Her name is Pam Johnson.”
Matuszak said he has been teaching summer dance lesson series at the Grange for about a decade, and he said Johnson has volunteered from the beginning. She accepts entrance fees and also sells refreshments during breaks. “I’d guess that I’ve taught well over 50 lessons there and can’t remember a single instance when Pam’s smiling face wasn’t greeting dance students at the door,” said Matuszak.
The next country dance lesson is set for Thursday, July 25, at 7 p.m. at the Feather River Grange No. 440 across from the California Highway Patrol Office in Quincy. Matuszak encourages everyone to stop by and say thanks to Johnson in person. No partner or experience is necessary.
In addition to helping with the dance lesson fundraisers, Johnson offers her expertise at “countless” Grange meetings to guide decision-making processes, said Matuszak. She is involved in some way in most Grange activities and acts as the nonprofit’s treasurer. “How lucky was the Grange to find a bank teller to fill that position?” asks Matuszak.
Matuszak reports that the Grange underwent some rough times in recent years at both the state and local levels. During hard times membership was down, but Matuszak reported that Johnson helped former Grange President John Rix keep the boat afloat.
More recently, Feather River Grange No. 440 has undergone a resurgence led by a younger generation of enthusiasts. New leadership personnel, including Nicole Grose, Kelby Gardiner and Bill Jacks, have made significant improvements to the organization and the historic building itself, said Matuszak. However, through all the changes Johnson has been a constant supporter, he said.
“Sitting in the shadows is a woman who really is the face of the Feather River Grange,” said Matuszak. “The backbone of all nonprofits is volunteers. Many organizations have at least one Pam Johnson. Hats off to you, Pam! And hats off to all the county’s unsung heroes: its nonprofits’ volunteers.”
Information provided by Feather River Grange No. 440
