December VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ON Callie Leef
Coordinating Team would like to thank and recognize Callie Leef for her work as the Coordinating Team Lead during Rev. Sharon’s sabbatical and continuing into the congregational year.
WHAT MINISTRY / GROUP / team DO YOU VOLUNTEER WITH?
Currently: Coordinating Team, Music Committee Member and Secretary, Music Librarian, RE Leader for grades 2 and 3, Worship Service Storyteller, Stage Manager for Chalice Cabaret since 2006 and a Producer for this year’s show. I am also a Chancel Choir member, Handchimes Ensemble member, and Cabaret performer.
Previously: Board member (2007-2011 including one year as President), Worship Service Song Leader, RE Committee, Ministerial Support Team during Rev. Anastasi’s interim ministry
WHEN DID YOU START COMING TO Chalice?
We started with Chalice UU Church in about 1997 so we are founding members of Chalice UU Congregation.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER?
I enjoy working with people to accomplish things. Sometimes I was asked if I would consider a particular position (Evelyn Englander and Es Gaunt kept after me for years before I agreed to be on the Board) and sometimes I feel I have the skills needed to contribute to a particular group.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?
Getting to know Chalice community members especially our young people.
DO YOU VOLUNTEER WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, OUTSIDE OF CHALICE?
At the moment, most of my volunteering is with Chalice or through Chalice such as supporting ICS (serving Thanksgiving dinners) and Habitat for Humanity (building project).
Previously, I volunteered with the Mt Carmel High School as a Band Mom (6 years), was a Girl Scout leader (12 years), and was Stage Manager for Metropolitan Educational Theater Network (10 years).
WHAT PURPOSE/VALUE/FEELING DO YOU FEEL/GAIN/HAVE WHEN YOU ARE VOLUNTEERING?
I feel like I am making a difference if even in a small way.
ABOUT YOU – WHERE WERE YOU BORN/RAISED?
I was born in Norwood, MA and raised in Wrentham, MA
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY?
My favorite childhood memories are related to our family trips to Great Diamond Island off Portland, ME. We would depart our home in Massachusetts about 6:30am so we could make it to Portland for the 10am ferry to the island. My three siblings and I hated getting up that early on a Saturday but so enjoyed being on the island for long holiday weekends during the summer. Since the island was only a couple miles long, we were able to go everywhere without getting lost. Days would be taken up with tennis matches, walks to the rocky beach, treks to Little Diamond Island at low tide to get fresh lobsters, and card games by the fireplace in the evenings. Idyllic!!
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO SAN DIEGO?
Initially, I came to San Diego by way of a transfer from Hawaii while on active duty in the Navy to be with my first husband who was stationed on a ship. After we were discharged from active duty, we moved to El Paso. About 5 years later, I returned to San Diego to accept a job after a divorce from said first husband. I have been here continuously since 1983.
WHAT IS YOUR JOB/PROFESSION OUTSIDE OF CHALICE?
I have retired from both the Naval Reserve and government contracting. In the Naval Reserve, I served 3 years on active duty and 22 more as a “weekend warrior”. I supported Navy research projects for the majority of my time in the service. As a contractor, I was a software test engineer for Naval communications systems and also worked as a process engineer developing support tools for project managers. Right now, my “work” is with Chalice.
MARRIED/FAMILY/CHILDREN?
I am married to Budd Leef and have four children. Jim (39) lives in Portland, OR with his wife, Anna. Erich (35) lives in Denver with his wife, Shaeleah and our first grandchild, Myles. Tina (29) and her husband, Doron, live in Northridge, CA. Finally, Matt (27) is looking for work in OR after completing about 1700 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail last summer.
WHAt’s your favorite movie?
“Ever After”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GET BURRITOS?
My favorite place for burritos is Jalapeño’s in Carmel Mountain Ranch
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?
San Diego Padres