America is a country of volunteers. In 2015, alone, more than 62 million people gave their time to organizations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Oakland writer Linda Brown volunteered to write this story on two women she met recently, who are making a difference for all of us:

“Leaving a recent Friends of Joaquin Miller Park board meeting, I met Oaklanders Judith Glendinning and Nadine LeBlanc, 18-month volunteers with the Oakland Volunteer Park Patrol.

“Inspired by their age and infectious smiles, I asked them how and why they became Park Patrol volunteers. (I want the training but have not been available on training days. In addition, the only other Park Patrol volunteers I know — program creator Stan Dodson and men in their 30s to 50s — all did heavy work like clearing trails).

“Judith and Nadine both said being Park Patrol volunteers met several personal goals. As park ambassadors, they meet a variety of park users. They give out maps, recommend woodland trails, and share their love of the nature and park history. Both especially enjoy telling foreign visitors about the parks. In addition, the six to 20 hours per month they walk in the park (less hours in the winter, more in the summer) fits their exercise regimen.

“The Oakland Volunteer Park Patrol, officially launched in June 2016, is a collaboration between Oakland Trails and the City of Oakland. According to co-founder and director Stan Dodson, he saw a need “to improve the quality and safety of city parks.”

“Established as a pilot program in Dimond Canyon and Joaquin Miller parks, the Park Patrol recently expanded into Leona Heights Park.

“Volunteers act as ambassadors, providing information about the parks (not law or rule enforcement) and help improve safety by assisting emergency responders when needed. Volunteers also assist Oakland Public Works in trail maintenance, offer free hiking tours and promote the parks through events and a monthly newsletter. Learn more at Oaklandtrails.org.”

Email bag: Speaking of “volunteers,” more folks are admitting to taking pothole matters into their own hands. Frustrated by the city’s backlog of potholes and slow response time, one reader said he bought $10 worth of Quikrete high performance asphalt patch blacktop repair and filled a big hole himself in 10 minutes. “(It) sees plenty of daily traffic on a steep incline. Over the years, I’ve patched several other potholes near my house and all have held just fine,” he says.

Musical notes: What a great concert lineup at the Alameda County Fair this summer. Some blockbuster acts are coming to the fairgrounds in Pleasanton including Plain White T’s (June 18), Tower of Power (June 22), John Michael Montgomery (June 23), Asia featuring John Payne (June 24), Clint Black (June 28), Ann Wilson of Heart (June 29), Sheila E (July 1), America (July 2) and Wynonna & the Big Noise (July 5). Open seating is still free but you can also pay to reserve seats — which is probably a good idea with these big name acts.

Got news? You can reach Ginny Prior by email at ginnyprior@hotmail.com or on the web at www. ginnyprior.com.