Joy Larsen is just one of the duo that cleaned up Vern Zander Park (Winlock Egg Park).
New Residents Jim and Joy Larsen have been around town, making it a more attractive city for all. They have volunteered their time since coming here a few years ago. They might be new, but they love Winlock just the same.
The Larsen's moved to Winlock and before long they were helping the community. Jim started with talking about the Vern Zander Park (aka Egg Park). Jim reached out to the Lions Club and then he went to work. The Lions Club paid for the supplies and Jim volunteered his time to rebuild the fence and the posts.
Then Joy went to visit Jim one day at the park and noticed the sidewalk needed to be cleaned. Joy decided she would powerwash the sidewalk, then she looked at the rest of the park and decided it needed powerwashing as well. Joy decided to powerwash as much as she could, table and benches and of course the large lions. Joy left a few things the way they were so they could stand out more. What they accomplished is bringing pride to our Egg, the Egg we all celebrate once a year.
It's always interesting to hear why people move to Winlock, Joy stated, "We like to look at vacant homes (through the windows). Jim was on his way to the beach, he liked the home so he brought me down. We had no plans to move, but we loved the home."
Winlock is a community that helps itself and the Larsen's found out the first day what that meant. "We bought this house, we came with a fully loaded Uhaul at 11:30 p.m." In Winlock style, Lindsey Alvord and her oldest son helped them unpack. Joy stated, "It was amazing." Thank you Lindsey for showing them the true spirit of Winlock.
You could see by the look in Joy's face that she truly loves it here, she stated, "I just love it here, the quietness of the town. I enjoy watching the students get off the bus, there is a brother and sister who pick on each other. I have enjoyed talking with the kids. They are good kids in Winlock."
Joy saw even more kindness from the community, "When we had snow last year, we ran out of power. We immediately called the Winlock Assembly of God, where we have been attending. Within 20 minutes, Pastor Jared came by with wood for our fireplace." We are a community that loves to help others.
Jim also volunteered his time on the fence at Winlock Assembly of God for one of the pastor's homes. The church bought the supplies and Jim put it together.
Joy volunteers her time with a fellowship program called "Celebrate Recovery" at Jackson Prairie Assembly of God. It's a 12 step program for any hurt habit or hang ups that is keeping you from God's full potential. The event takes place with dinner and then fellowship and it is bible based. Joy is helping people and Jim helps beautify, it's a great combination for us to appreciate.
Joy wants to do more, she is going to get into refurbishing throw away furniture. Joy and Jim enjoy gardening and it shows in the backyard they have fixed up.
Joy spoke about what else she enjoys about Winlock and she said, "I love hearing the trains. The people here are so kind, it reminds me of growing up in the 50s. Winlock is an old fashioned community."
Joy also enjoys the diversity in Winlock, she continued, "I love the diversity in Winlock. We have young adults with families, senior citizens and every age in between."
The Larsen's might be new to Winlock but they have fit in well. I have heard residents say they don't want the growth. If Winlock continues to get community driven adults like the Larsens, we will be one blessed city! Sitting down talking with Joy, you can tell she has a kindness about her that will warm every heart, it was such a pleasure.
Thank you for moving to Winlock Jim and Joy, we are happy you are here!