If you think Jeff Ollis looks familiar it is probably because he is everywhere! This guy is the local hero that lobbied for a heated skate shack, refilled your pretzels at Oktoberfest, coached your kids in soccer, served you beer at the Chilli Cook-Off, barbecued a thousand hotdogs and then found time to raise 3 of the cutest kids in Ritchie. Oh yeah, did we mention he is also the clever guy leading the charge for our new Hall? Jeff's certainly made a lot of time for Ritchie so please take a minute or two to learn more about him.
1. What is your Role on the Board?
Chair of the RHRC (Ritchie Hall Revitalisation Committee)
2. Why did you volunteer?
There was such a collection of cool people working so hard to make our community better, I just had to get involved!
3. How long have you lived in Ritchie?
Since July 2013
4. Why did you pick this neighbourhood?
To be within walking distance of Escuela Mill Creek; and it's close to everything, especially the ravine!
5. What is the best thing you’ve discovered in Ritchie?
Ritchie community league
6. What is your wish for the next 5 years in Ritchie?
It's already pretty awesome, but I wish for an even closer, more inclusive and supportive community. Check out how to get involved with the new Abundant Community initiative mentioned above. Oh...and also I'd like a stylish new eco-friendly, multi-use hall with space that meets the league's needs, augments existing programs and makes new and exciting programming possible--further enhancing the quality of life in our neighbourhood. ...With a roof-top patio. ....And espresso machine.
7. What is your favourite Ritchie Event/program and why?
There are too many to choose just one: community league day, soccer, summer barbecues, pub nights and any big event dreamed up by dallas! I really value events that bring large numbers of folks from the neighbourhood together. For example summer soccer is incredible, not just for the opportunity it provides kids to play in their own neighbourhood with school friends, but for how it brings the grown-ups together on warm summer nights laughing and sharing their lives.
8. What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?
I'm a stay-at-home parent with three kids aged 7 and 4 and 15 months.
9. What book did you read last?
I haven't read since before the baby was born...but I've recently picked up All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr, so wish me luck!
10. What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
Beer. Coffee. My kids' smiles.