Can you tell us where you are from and how you landed in Monterey?

I was born in Canada in the 1940s and came to New York in the late 1970s to join Doug McTavish, my husband, in New York City. I came to Massachusetts to join my friends, the Cranes, who also loved skiing, and who lived on Hupi Circle. Monterey has always held a special significance for our two families. We came in the late 80’s  after giving birth to our son Charlie, and have been here for 34 years.

How did you get involved in volunteering in the community?

I got involved with the Board of Gould Farm because I am passionate about mental health and community. Then later I started volunteering with the Bidwell House, which is right on my road. I was drawn to the Monterey Community Center for my own enjoyment a few years ago, and was really glad to be involved.

What led you in particular to the MCC?

Joe Baker and Bonner McAllester were so friendly to me over the decades. Our kids were friendly during the summers. Joe fixed my son’s violin. Eventually, I got a shared garden plot with my friend Kathryn in the community garden and was excited to try my hand at it.

What programs or facets of the Community Center have you enjoyed?

Besides the garden, I really enjoyed Connie’s yoga class and Tai Chi. I was also really excited about the Monterey Lights the Holidays project. I also loved the Cookbook Club.

The American Chestnut Foundation Talk and Roast felt very organic. It felt homey and warm to be talking about the chestnut tree that Mark Makuc planted and then being able to eat the roasted chestnuts (this fall). I also enjoyed the programs with Tom Ryan including measuring the big trees.

I like how the MCC reaches out to other organizations in the community and we work together. I was glad that during Covid some Community Center volunteers, and COA volunteers (and others) got the food pantry going.

What have you enjoyed about being on the MCC Town Committee?

I like how we (think up programs) and can try programs and see if they work.

JoAnn has been an active member on the Town Committee for 3 years. Having spent her last 34 Christmases in Monterey, she shares her love for all things winter. Not only has she helped bring her sense of joy and magic to the Monterey Lights the Holidays, she gladly greets folks with a smile at the Monterey Pantry Pickup even when it’s really cold and snowy.

Our interview was done over the phone but I knew there was a twinkle in her eye, when she said  “We should have a party to determine who is the oldest person in Monterey that can still make a snow angel!” Socially distanced of course.

Many thanks to JoAnn for her hours of enthusiastic volunteer work for the Community Center and may we celebrate many more holidays and gatherings with her in Monterey. We are looking forward to the fun that JoAnn cooks up.