Seniors : Achievements, activities : Volunteer Makes Farm Her Pet Project

When Flo Holzgraf first visited Centennial Farm, she was enchanted by the animals and the youngsters who had come to see them.

“Once I saw some little children holding some little chicks,” she said, she knew she wanted to work at the farm on the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Unlike many of the volunteers at the farm, however, Holzgraf knew nothing about agriculture or how to care for any animal other than household pets such as dogs and cats.

What she did know about was volunteering. The Newport Beach resident, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, has spent much of her retirement donating time to nonprofit organizations across Orange County.

She has helped out at the Sherman Gardens and Library in Corona del Mar, for example, and is also a 10-year board member for the Animal Assistance League of Orange County.

A cancer survivor, Holzgraf also calls on cancer patients in their homes as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery.

“I think volunteer work is the best thing seniors can do,” she said. “There are so many people and organizations who need volunteers, like hospitals and convalescent homes. I happen to like children and animals.”

Ginny Smith, volunteer coordinator at the Orange County Fairgrounds, said Holzgraf is one of the most enthusiastic workers at the farm.

“She obviously loves what she is doing,” Smith said. “I think that is her secret: If you love it, it is fun.”