as published in January Connections News
Volunteer of the Month, January 2016
Shubha Tirumale
The beauty of the Pacific Northwest proved to be a tipping point for me on getting more serious with photography. I enjoy capturing ‘colors and life’ around places and nature, people’s laughter, joy, emotions and to just sense the sheer happiness of the wonderful people I work with – Wow, this just cannot be explained through words!
I have had the opportunity and pleasure of volunteering as a photographer in the Issaquah Highlands since 2014. Capturing those wonderful moments of Santa’s arrival in 2014 and 2015, and Highlands Day in 2014 and 2015 have been heart-warming experiences. This year’s the most recent experience of capturing the Peace formation from the top of a fire truck ladder at the Village Green was thrilling. Thanks to Christy, Firefighter Mike and all the wonderful people that took the time to participate for the Peace formation and cheering me – I overcame my fear of heights to scale 40 feet on the fire truck to take pictures! WOW! I will never forget that experience!
Volunteering for Issaquah Highlands Council has been extremely fulfilling for me; Special thanks to Christy Spiess Garrard and all employees of the Council. I cannot thank the wonderful people of Issaquah Highlands enough for furnishing me with many such opportunities – I am grateful and glad that I can share and enjoy the beauty of this place with everyone in the community. Residents have always been very kind with words and encouragement whenever I share beautiful images of Highlands. It means everything to me!
I also volunteer for many other non-profit organizations but volunteering for Issaquah Highlands has been very special to my heart as Issaquah is my home away from home (Bengaluru, India); it provides me with great joy to capture moments and sentiments, at the same time spreading awareness through our communities for good causes.
Also, special thanks to Grand Ridge Plaza and Suzanne Lee for providing me with volunteering opportunities. I am humbled with all the fantastic support!
Last, but not the least, I thank my dearest husband Arun and my son for relentlessly supporting me through this journey!
Finally, I would like to encourage all that enjoy photography to continue to pursue and to capture what you love.
