Meet Your Ontario Community Coordinator
In each community we work in, we hire someone from the local area to be our Community Coordinator. They’re our project team’s liaison with folks on the ground, someone who can raise public awareness and engagement with our project.
In Ontario, we’re thrilled to announce that our Community Coordinator is longtime community cheerleader, Tammy Vogt! Read on to learn a little bit more about Tammy, her heart for Ontario, and what she’s got in her crockpot this season.
Hi Tammy! Give us a little introduction—who are you, and what’s your connection to Ontario?
I have lived in Ontario two different times in my life for a cumulative time of about 23 years. In addition to being the Community Coordinator for the Ontario Schoolyard Project, I am a Life Coach and a Spiritual Director which means I have the privilege of spending my time listening to and supporting people in their lives. I am the mother of four adult ‘kids’ (five by marriage) and have been married to my incredible husband for 31 years. For fun, I love to sing, write, practice yoga, and paddle board. And, I have an insatiable desire to travel and see the world!
What’s your favorite thing about Ontario?
My favorite thing about Ontario is the people and the memories that I have made here. My kids were born and raised in this community. I’ve spent a great deal of time in various sports stands, surrounded by other parents, cheering on our kids together. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with multiple community members and organizations to create new ways to inspire our youth and care for our neighbors and the land we call home. Ontario holds the picture album to a great deal of my life and therefore holds my heart in a unique way.
How’d you get connected to this particular project?
A dear friend shared with me that, out of the whole state, Ontario was one of three communities chosen for this fabulous project! As soon as I heard about it, I knew I wanted to support it and began connecting community members with the project team leaders. I believe they saw my enthusiasm and graciously asked me to join the team.
Why are you passionate about getting a Community Schoolyard built in Ontario?
Why wouldn’t I be passionate about this project?! This project is about the children of our community and giving them a safe, beautiful, and equitable place to be kids, play, and be healthy. The plans haven’t even been drawn yet and I can already, in my mind’s eye, see the children playing, running, laughing, and sharing life in this new space. I can see teachers and students gathering on the grounds. I can see families coming together in this space to make memories. A space that benefits not only the kids of the Alameda School but also our community at large is just a win/win!
Last but not least, what’s something that’s bringing you joy these days?
I love living in an area where we get to experience all the seasons and Fall tops the list for me! Joy is in the simple things: the turning of the leaves, the air turning crisp, a crockpot of chili simmering throughout the day, cinnamon spice-scented candles, and flannel shirts. Couple these things spent with the people I love, and joy abounds!