Although Tim Caldwell won first place in the Readers’ Choice awards for best volunteer for his work at Camas Prairie Golf Park to “help keep the doors open,” he’s pitched in for a number of organizations over the years.

Caldwell estimated he’s been volunteering in one form or another in the community since 1992, not counting the time he spent caddying at the golf course when he was 19. That includes 17 years as a volunteer with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, in large part coordinating recruits and training other volunteers to staff its visitor information center.

Caldwell also took part in the Jefferson Transit Authority’s Transit Advisory Group, and kept himself occupied during COVID by doing research and writing articles for the Jefferson County Historical Society, on subjects such as the history of Fort Worden.

“I’d like to think that the groups I’ve taken part in have been serving the heart and soul of the community, in their own ways,” Caldwell said. “I grew up without any place to park, and now, we have transit connections from Kingston to Sequim. And the chamber helped tie together all sorts of organizations, from businesses to charities.”

Caldwell expressed his appreciation to the community for voting for him so highly in the Readers’ Choice awards, but he insisted there are plenty of other “incredible volunteers,” and “kind golfers.” He said they were nice to single him out.

But two Barbs who also volunteer at Camas Prairie — Barbara Aldrich and Barb Carr — were effusive in their praise of Caldwell.

“I’m nor surprised he won,” Carr said. “He devotes endless hours to Camas Prairie, he’s always available to help out, and he’s a true advocate for our program here. He’s been so supportive of our volunteers. I’ve volunteered at other places, but Tim makes it easy and fun.”

Aldrich praised Caldwell for giving “tirelessly of his time and goodwill” to the golf course and the community.

“He’s always cheerful and upbeat, serving as an exceptional advocate for the total commitment of this treasured golf course, for use by the wider community of all ages,” said Aldrich, who’s worked alongside Caldwell at “First Sunday in the Park” events. “He is a welcoming and resourceful ambassador for the Port Townsend community.”

It’s been a long run for Caldwell. He laughed as he recalled how, before he retired, he always joked that he would spend his retirement years “signing up to volunteer and just not show up.” Instead he has abided by the Rotary’s aphorism that “an empty chair doesn’t help anyone.”

According to Caldwell, “The best way to get to know any community is to volunteer there,” since it acquaints one with any number of various doings around town. On a personal level, he’s always found it a joyful experience to be “along for the ride” with the groups as they do good deeds.

“It’s remarkably encouraging, and there are a lot of groups throughout the community who could use more volunteers,” Caldwell said. “Connecting with non-profits allows you to see some of the incredible things that are going on here.”

That is especially true given the average age of local residents, he continued. “There should be plenty of people with time to spare for more than just going to work or going through their daily routines.”