“Profiles in Service” highlights the people in our community who devote considerable time to helping make life better for the rest of us.
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Myron Drinkwater (his friends call him “Drink”) settled in Lake Forest before it was incorporated. A retired U. S. Navy Captain, he raised his son and daughter here, and after he retired from his job as a contract administrator for the federal government he wanted to give back. So for more than a dozen years, Drink, now 75, has been helping to make life better for everyone in Lake Forest. He’s been a mainstay on the 4th of July Parade Committee, volunteers in the kitchen on Thursdays for our senior program, and recently accepted an appointment on the Senior Advisory Board. As if that’s not enough, he’s an unofficial tract representative in his Forest Creek neighborhood where he walks the streets in his tract every morning.
We shared a glass of iced tea at Bagels and Brew recently.
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JG – You've been involved in so many activities, what’s your favorite?
DRINK – I like the Parade Committee best because it has an impact on the entire city. It’s a big event for Lake Forest and I like being a part of that.
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JG - Just how much time does all this take?
DRINK – For the senior program on Thursday my day starts around 8 am and ends about 2 pm. The Parade Committee is active one evening a month from February through June, and then things pick up a lot until the 4th. The Senior Advisory Board meets quarterly. And I walk my neighborhood streets every day.
JG – What achievement are you most proud of?
DRINK – The Parade Committee. The Parade gets better every year. And the senior program. Every week, on Thursday, I assist the permanent staff to see to it that 130 to 150 seniors have an enjoyable and entertaining morning and get a good meal at noon.
JG – The City just started the Senior Advisory Board. How’s that going so far?
DRINK – I don't think we meet often enough – only four times a year. That’s not enough time to deal with all the issues of importance to seniors. And I don't think we have enough people. Seven members would be better than the current five.
JG – What inspired you to spend so much time helping others?
DRINK – I've always considered myself a giver. I like helping others and being a part of something bigger. As long as I stay healthy I'm going to continue to help.
JG – How do you balance your volunteer time with the rest of your life?
DRINK – I'm retired and I have good pensions from the Navy and the federal government so I'm fortunate to have the time.
JG - What do you like best about Lake Forest?
DRINK – The laid back family style community
JG – And what do you like least?
DRINK – Sometimes the political in-fighting detracts from moving the city forward.
JG – If you could change one thing about the City, what would that be?
DRINK – I'd like to see us finally get a permanent civic center and a separate senior center. And an official Lake Forest city dog park.
JG – Any parting wisdom?
DRINK – Don't blow your own horn. Just get busy helping people.
Here are links to the organizations mentioned in this article -
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Lake Forest Parade Committee
http://www.lakeforestca.gov/4thjuly/
Lake Forest Senior Advisory Board
Lake Forest Senior Program
http://www.lakeforestca.gov/seniors/meals.asp
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If you’d like to nominate someone in your community who helps make life better for the rest of us in Lake Forest, please send an e-mail to DrJGardner@gmail.com. Generally speaking we are looking for people who have had an impact in several areas and whose contribution has been over many years.
