Alan Willard - Founding Member
Since my birth in 1953 I have spent most of my life in West Point. I became involved with the youth center in 1994. One of my sons, Brian, was one of the original young people involved with the youth center. Locally, as mills shut down in the mid to late 90s and West Point lost its industrial base an initiative of community renewal began with a first meeting hosted by Blue Mountain Coalition for Youth. This project led to an unprecedented coming together with a solid cross section of community members willing to talk about what we could do about our economic and social condition.Our community needs an organization and facility like this one. Every community does! From community gardens to community meals it is an example to our children of what could be. It is also an example to our elders.
Denise Taylor - President
I moved to West Point in July 2017. For 15 years I have been a jewelry-maker. My interests include cooking, entertaining, gardening, and exploring small towns. I believe in the center's mission. I believe it is especially important in small towns like West Point where resources are not close by or non-existent. I have seen firsthand how much of a difference resources can make in a person's life. I like how the organization tries to bring people together. I was initially drawn to the garden. How the garden gives people an opportunity to get fresh vegetables and learn how to grow them. And we can't forget the bocce court and areas for people to relax or play in the garden.
Sarah Berweger- Treasurer
I moved to West Point in 2005. I am a veterinary technician, a farmer and an artist. I first became involved with the Blue Mountain Coalition for Youth and Families through the West Point Community Garden, and was invited to join the Board of Directors in 2019. I am happy to be able to continue to help with the Community Garden and work to establish the West Point Farmers Market as a regular event in our town. I believe that this organization makes our area a better place to live and creates important opportunities for youth, families, friends and neighbors to support one another.
Linda Toren - Secretary
My family and I moved to West Point in May 1978 from San Francisco where I worked as an entomological technician at the California Academy of Sciences. I received my teaching credential and worked at West Point Elementary for the rest of my career. Teaching and learning was an honor more than a job. Living and working in the West Point community has been a blessing. Volunteer work is an important part of my ethic. I continue to teach poetry at West Point School each year. Being on the board of the Blue Mountain Coalition for Youth and Families has been and is a long-term commitment. I am also honored to serve as the first Calaveras County Poet Laureate (2022-2024). This appointment extends my love of writing and teaching poetry in Calaveras and Amador counties.
Diana Inslee
A resident of West Point for the past 40 years, my husband and I have raised daughter in this vibrant community. After owning and operating two small businesses, my commitment to community service blossomed into a third career as a dedicated volunteer. Initially active in school-related activities, I extended my volunteer work to various community organizations. I have served as the stage manager for the Blue Mountain Players and have been an active member of the Lumberjack Committee since 2010.
Ten years ago, I joined the board of the Blue Mountain Coalition for Youth and Families (BMCYF), where I use my experience in the catering industry to help facilitate our long-running community meals program and other community events.
Dennis Hood
I have been living in West Point for the past 33 years. I am a new board member as of January 2024. I have a bachelors degree in biology and have worked as a fish and wildlife biologist as a consultant and started my own company in 1996. I have been involved with several community projects over the years and have developed a strong friendship with many of the great people living here. I have been involved with several projects at the elementary school including construction of the big playground , the indoor rock climbing wall and various fundraisers. I look forward to working with the Blue Mountain Coalition to help facilitate a positive community connectivity and contribute in as many ways as possible.
Sheri Noble
I have been an active member of child care community for many years, serving on various committees and participating in community events. I am passionate about promoting the early learning field and supporting economic development in the region. As a mother of three, I want to make our community the best possible place to live.
I am currently the Program Director for The Resource Connection Child Care Resource and Referral program and I am committed to helping businesses and communities create opportunities for quality child care services that meet the needs of families and children.
