Some people see something worth sharing and simply can’t walk away.This month’s stories celebrate individuals who have become keepers of what matters to them.
Michael Calhoun saw nature trails that shaped his childhood and refused to let their significance go unrecognized. Through years of paperwork and advocacy, he secured National Recreation Trail designations for the Crown Zellerbach and Banks-Vernonia trails—not for personal gain, but because he understood these paths deserved their place on the map. “It highlights what’s unique in your own backyard,” he tells us, recognizing that sometimes the most precious things are hiding in plain sight.
Keith Lionetti and Paul Stiller took that same protective instinct and built something lasting with their disc golf courses. What started as personal passion evolved into spaces where others can discover the joy they find in the sport.
Dave LaBelle’s photography column reminds us that sometimes preservation is as simple as being present with our camera when relief arrives—capturing those fleeting moments when heat gives way to coolness, when discomfort transforms into gratitude.
What strikes me about these stories is how naturally caring leads to sharing. Michael didn’t stop at enjoying his hometown trails—he worked to ensure others could discover them, too. Keith and Paul didn’t just play disc golf—they created spaces where the sport could flourish. None of these keepers are hoarding their treasures. They’re multiplying them.
As summer reaches its peak, I find myself wondering what I’m keeping safe for others. Is it a family recipe that deserves to be passed down? A local tradition that needs an advocate? A skill that could benefit someone once its shared? Sometimes the most meaningful work we do isn’t creating something new but ensuring something valuable doesn’t disappear.
The keepers in our communities understand preservation isn’t about freezing things in time—it’s about creating pathways for others to experience what we’ve found meaningful. They know the best way to honor what we love is to make sure it survives and thrives beyond us.
Until next time,
Chasity Anderson
Editorial Director