Linnea Nord, Angwin's centenarian, is best remembered for her years of service in the Neighborhood Table. Standing for hours in the kitchen, peeling potatoes, or whatever. She came to America from Sweden as a l7-year-old lass, to find a life better than the harsh work of the farm. Of course, she went straight to relatives in Minnesota. One hundred and four years well-lived, leaving daughter Mary Tillay and grandchildren, to mourn her going, but rejoicing in the memories.

Louis Helmer, founder of the construction company, Helmer & Sons, was highly regarded in the community as well as in the industry. The Helmer family has lived in Angwin for more than 40 years. All four of Louis' sons are still active in the general contracting company. Louis and his wife, Helen, participated in a num-ber of mission trips, helping to build churches in Mexico and Central America. A successful businessman, generously sharing his skills wherever needed.

Angwin's rainfall this season has risen to 27 inches, but it will take a lot more to reach the average of 41 inches for the typical winter rainy season. And this will be the third year in a row of below-normal precipitation. We got only 28 inches in 2007-08 and 32 inches in 2008-09.

Something for people on private wells to worry about. They need some heavy downpours to recharge their water level. PUC people in college housing get their water from college wells, also. Residents on the Howell Mountain Water Company system are in better shape. It takes only 27 inches of rain to raise the level of the reservoirs to their maximum.

The annual meeting of the Angwin Community Council followed the pattern of previous years. An occasion for the volunteer fire chief and the president of the volunteer ambulance company to report on the years activities and receive applause for service beyond the call of duty.

Council President Barbara Spelletich announced that Laurie Wheeler, a PUC finance department head, had been elected to the Board of Directors. Congratulations, Laurie.

Dr. Victor Aaen, long-time Angwin resident and new president of the Angwin Ambulance Company thanked the community for its support of this vital organization. Volunteers responded to 191 calls so far this year, some of them in the middle of the night.

Fire Chief Avery Browne reported that the department has 37 members, half a dozen of whom are young women. The volunteers train regularly, and are proud of their response time. From the moment they get the call until they have dressed, driven to the firehouse, put on their gear and out the door 4-1/2 to 6 minutes. That is amazing! The firemen and women answered 157 calls in 2009.

Avery singled out for special recognition: Ken Trumble for his 40 years as a fire fighter, and Roy Ice for designing a new shoulder patch for the company and other beautiful gralphics.

For more information about the department, check out its brand-new website: www. Angwinfire.com.