Steve LeBrun
Meet Foothills Super Volunteer Chris Caviezel. Chris joined The Mountaineers in 1999 and has led over 100 hikes, and recently was a part of the establishment and growth of our new Alpine Scrambling program. Chris is a Search and Rescue volunteer and met his wife, Melissa, through The Mountaineers.
What brought you to the Northwest?
I was born in Seattle and have been here most of my life.
When and how did you find the Mountaineers?
I found the Mountaineers in August of 2008, right when the Clubhouse was getting ready to move to its present Magnuson Park location. I have enjoyed being a member ever since.
What do you find most satisfying about volunteering for us?
I like getting outdoors, meeting new people, and exploring new destinations.
What's your favorite Mountaineers volunteering memory?
In July of 2009, I received a very exciting phone call. I could tell that the woman on the other end of the line could not contain herself. She noticed that the Foothills Branch had recently started a Hiking Committee, of which I was the founder and chair. She exclaimed, "How do I become a Hike Leader?". I thought for a second and I asked her, "How long have you been a Mountaineers Member?" She then replied, "I have not joined yet." Come to find out she had been waiting for the Foothills Branch to start a Hiking Committee. I told her that she could do up to two events as a guest, and she joined my hike (with her husband) on July 4th on Rattlesnake Ridge. That woman is our current Foothills Branch Chair, Cheryl Talbert.
