State Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) recognized Ruth Erickson as Volunteer of the Year at the Sept. 17 San Benito County Chamber of Commerce event, "Lunch with Leaders" at San Juan Oaks. Erickson was pleased to learn she was selected as the only volunteer from among the many counties represented by Cannella. The announcement appearing at the Senator’s website reads:
“State Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) today announced he has selected Hollister resident Ruth Erickson as the 12th Senate District’s Volunteer of the Year for her continued dedication and commitment to San Benito County. Ruth has made a lasting and positive impact in San Benito County, volunteering for dozens of agencies and organizations, ranging from public service to education to community service,” said Cannella. “For more than 30 years, she has placed community over herself, dedicating countless hours of her time and resources to help make this community better for everyone. I am privileged to honor Ruth as 12th Senate District Volunteer of the Year.”
Erickson has been a volunteer for the San Benito County Free Library for more than 30 years, serving in a variety of capacities, including as president, treasurer and secretary. She is also actively involved in the Measure A Committee, where she worked with fellow community members to gain local control of San Benito Street, which had previously been used as a portion of Highway 156 and Highway 25 by Caltrans. Because of her efforts, San Benito Street, which is at the heart of downtown Hollister, can now be used for community events, greatly benefitting local business.
Reed Sanders, representing Senator Cannella, repeated the recognition ceremony at the 30th Anniversary of Literacy Services in California and the Library's Literacy Programs at the San Benito County Free Library on Sept. 18.