This is a good time to highlight a few local folks who are stepping out in service and connection. We saw news stories about them this week that should encourage us. In a time with a lot of shouting, there are wonderful people whose quiet actions speak volumes, if only in a whisper. Let’s listen and be encouraged, inspired and energized.
Sweet music: We’ll start with a $25,000 anonymous donation to the Centralia School District Music Department. Louie Blaser, the music instructor for the district, expressed his gratitude online. He noted that some of their instruments are so old, they have french horns from when his grandfather, Ron Brumbaugh, was the band director at the district.
The Centralia Community Foundation, which received the donation and directed it to the music program, sent out its appreciation to all its donors and anyone else who wants to give a boost to their community.
“Your support creates opportunities like this,” the Centralia Foundation said. “Help us keep the music playing and our students thriving. It’s a great day to be a Tiger.”
With the school district running a replacement levy for maintenance and operations, it’s also a timely reminder that our schools depend on public support.
Inspired by excellence: Speaking of great Tigers, it’s so wonderful to see the Centralia High School Distinguished Alumni of the Year program continuing to recognize some of the standout local graduates who have gone on to change the world after getting their start in the Hub City.
The third-annual presentation this week honored Dr. Lindsay Schwarz, a 1999 Tiger grad who went on to earn a Ph.D. in neurobiology.
She now leads her own lab at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., where she studies the neuronal circuits in the brain that regulate attention, memory and the so-called “fight or flight” response.
Her research can help us understand and treat conditions like anxiety and depression.
She has received many awards, including a $300,000 McKnight Award for her research.
Most heartwarming was that Dr. Schwartz could thank some of the Centralia teachers who guided her during her formative years.
She thanked her kindergarten teacher, Claudia Frazee, and her high school biology teacher, Henri Week. She also called out Centralia’s longtime Apex program teacher, Mary Ann White (whose son, Neil White, president of the Centralia Rotary Club, was there to help present the award).
“I owe so much to you and that program,” Schwarz said to Mary Ann White, who was in attendance.
I’ll admit that a little dust must have gotten in my eye when I saw the photos of this young doctor with some of the teachers who set her on her path.
Kudos to Dr. Schwartz, to her many mentors and teachers, and to the folks who run the Distinguished Alumni program. The kids we teach today are the shining stars of tomorrow.
Valued volunteers: Speaking of highlighting stellar people, the Centralia City Council continues its great recognition of folks who selflessly give back to their community. On Tuesday it formally thanked 22 volunteers, including the 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Holly Phelps.
Phelps’ contributions to the city are too numerous to mention, but one of the most eye-catching is her Twirl Foundation, which provides free prom dresses to girls who want to look like a million bucks. They’ve given out almost 6,000 gowns as well as suits, shirts and shoes for boys.
Phelps nails it when she talks about the importance of volunteerism.
“The more that we do for our community and the more that we do for our kids, oh my gosh, it just changes the world. It changes our town. It changes the town,” Phelps said. “I have a heartsong for our community. I really do love that I have an opportunity to get to help where I can. It is a bottomless joy, and it truly is a blessing.”
If you feel helpless these days, find a way to work alongside others to be of service. Being helpful with your neighbors is a good way to be hopeful today and every day.
And more: These examples all happen to be from the Hub City (way to go, Centralia!), but I know hopeful things are happening everywhere. If you have some good news to share, drop me a line. I’d love to help spread the word.
Brian Mittge is a community enthusiast who has written for The Chronicle since 2000 as a reporter, editor and columnist. He can be reached at brianmittge@hotmail.com.
