Answering the Calls: Story Behind a Wayzata Woman's 500 Volunteer Hours

In March of 2010, an article in the city’s monthly newsletter, "The Portal," caught Deeby Kadrie’s eye. The City of Wayzata’s Public Works Department was looking for volunteers to help out a couple times a week over the noon hour.

“One of my first jobs was with the City of Minnetonka,” said Kadrie. “I thought it would be an interesting volunteer opportunity, and it matched my background.”

Since 2010, Kadrie has logged more than 500 hours in the Public Works Department, answering phones, taking messages and staffing the office over the noon hour. She comes in twice a week, and sometimes more, if she’s needed.

“I love it here,” said Kadrie. “It’s like everyone is a big family. The guys are great. I bring them brownies sometimes.”

The volunteer opening came at the perfect time for Kadrie. After retiring from the University of Minnesota, she found that she suddenly had a lot of time on her hands. She filled it with reading, enjoying Wayzata and the outdoors and spending time her with dog. But she found that something was still missing.

Then she read the article in The Portal.

“It worked out beautifully,” she said.

It’s been three years since, and Kadrie doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. Volunteering has provided her with a sense of community she had been missing since she retired from the university.

“It’s a chance to meet people and be useful to the community,” she said.

The City Volunteer Committee is looking for someone to help at the Public Works department on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays, the days Kadrie’s not in, from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. Like herself, Kadrie adds that this opportunity is great for someone who has retired or is looking for something new to do during the day.

“It’s important to get out of the house,” she said. “This is an opportunity to get dressed up, go outside and interact with people. I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent here.”