August Volunteers of the Month: Jim Halas & Randy Pinkston

Randy Pinkston (left) and Jim Halas (right) volunteer with setting up for Mimosa Morning last Friday.

Congratulations to Jim Halas and Randy Pinkston for being recognized as our August Volunteers of the Month!

Between the two of them, they’ve contributed countless hours to the community, taking on a wide variety of volunteer jobs. If you enjoyed the entertainment at our events at Village Green this summer, you can thank Jim and Randy. They’re the ones who set up the stage before each event and take it down afterward.

Jim Halas: A Steady Hand Behind the Scenes

In 2014, Jim and his wife Carol moved from California to the Dahlia Park neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands, bringing along their three children and their bichon poodle, Mike. After retiring from a long career at Boeing and becoming an empty nester, Jim joined Highlands Council as a part-time facilities maintenance coordinator—a role he held until the summer of 2023. Today, he continues to serve as a dedicated volunteer, always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed.

When asked what inspired him to get involved, Jim joked, “I think I was volun-told to help, but I was happy to do it.”

Jim finds joy in seeing families with young children enjoying Highlands Council events, which reminds him of when his own kids were little. His advice for those considering volunteering?

“Find the intersection of something needed in your community, something you are passionate about, and something that you do well,” he said. “To be a good neighbor, you simply need to help folks in our community. It could be helping at events, taking out the trash or shoveling snow. It doesn’t matter what it is—if someone needs help, you can help!”

Randy Pinkston: A Friendly Face at Community Events

Randy moved to the Ashland Park neighborhood in 2003 with his then-fiancé, Lindsey, and their two cats, Kung Pao and Miso, after relocating from Arizona. Over the years, they’ve built a life in Issaquah Highlands—getting married, raising two children (now a senior and a sophomore at Issaquah High School), and adopting two dogs. Today, they live in their second Issaquah Highlands home in Wisteria Park.

Randy has worn many hats as a volunteer, from bartending at our adult-only events to hanging signs around the office. His motivation?

“I enjoy volunteering and helping out in the community, and in the Highlands, it’s easy to step up and lend a hand,” he said.

Of all his volunteer experiences, Randy’s favorite is bartending at Bingo and other social gatherings. He said it’s fun talking to people when they’re relaxed and having fun. His advice for newcomers?

“Just do it! It doesn’t have to be a big commitment,” he explained. “Just come out for an hour and help set up or decorate for a cultural event that you feel passionate about. There are plenty of events to get your feet wet and it’s actually fun, too!”