Meet Linda Brecher.
Linda is one of our most amazing and generous ‘Faces’ of Sedona. Her involvement as a volunteer has contributed to many things, and particularly the Humane Society of Sedona.
Q: Please tell us about your volunteer work in Sedona.
A: We moved to Sedona 16 years ago in July, and I ran straight over to the Humane Society – we hadn’t even unpacked the boxes yet. I said, “I’m here to walk dogs,” and the Director replied: “Do you know that it’s 100 degrees outside and it’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon? We live in Arizona, and we don’t do that!”
Before moving to Sedona, I saw an ad in the Sedona Newspaper that said, “Need help serving Monday night dinners for the lonely and the homeless.” I called the number, and the woman who answered replied, “Honey, you live in New York. First, you have to move here and get your food handlers license and then call me. I started at St. Andrew’s cooking and serving dinner. One thing led to another, I worked at the Food Bank and then the Sedona Community Center.
I was nominated by Barbara Litrell, for Volunteer of the Year 2011 by the Sedona Community Foundation.
Q: Didn’t you start a community project for pets?
A: Yes, a friend and I started the Sedona Pet Food Bank because we felt that there were many needy families here who had pets and couldn’t afford to feed them. We are not a nonprofit, and we weren’t getting any funds. Mainly myself, a woman who helped us and a few other donors, funded it. It became costly for us to continue, so now this woman delivers meals on wheels pet food to all of the clients, and we ended the Pet Food Bank.
Q: Is there one thing that you wished you learned earlier in life?
A: I probably wish that I could have been more compassionate and more aware of the plight of animals throughout the world. I wish I could have done more.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Sedona?
A: I love everything about Sedona. The Chamber of Commerce had a survey, “What do you love about Sedona?” I answered it by saying, “I don’t hear a horn honk.” It’s generally quiet. The people, the opportunities to volunteer, and anything you want to do or that you’re passionate about is available. Everyone opens their arms – I think it is a volunteering community.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Sedona?
A: Gary DeGeronimo, who passed away – was the Shelter Director at the Humane Society and taught me everything about dogs that I didn’t know. Barbara Litrell, I call Miss Sedona! She’s done so much for this community and has so much energy. She is the most influential person I’ve met here.
Q: If you could go back in time, what age would you like to be? And why?
A: Probably starting Arizona State University again. It was just an enjoyable experience. I want to go back to being 18 or 19, getting off that plane in Phoenix, where it was 120 degrees, and I was wearing nylons and high heels.
Q: How would your closest friends describe you?
A: I am attentive, I try to be thoughtful, but I always say that I am my father’s daughter.
Q: Tell me about your father?
A: He won the “Volunteer of the Year” award from George H.W. Bush’s ‘Thousand Points of Light, ‘ which honors volunteers throughout the country. My father always talked about the men he met in WWII and shared his fondest memories. I wanted to do something with the Military Park by honoring all of the military dogs in the United States. When you walk in, you see this gorgeous military dog on a white granite pedestal – it takes your breath away. I am now the secretary of the Board of the Verde Valley Military Service Park. I love all of the veterans and what they’ve accomplished. By doing this, I feel that I am honoring my father.
Q: Why is your involvement with the Military Service Park meaningful?
A: After attending numerous events at the Jack Jamison Military Park in Sedona, I always left wondering why there wasn’t any canine representation. Our military dogs have played an important role during war and at home. It seems in the past few months their service to veterans is finally being recognized.
Q: What would you consider as your greatest accomplishment?
A: (Answered by Alan, her husband): Her greatest accomplishment is 38 years of teaching. All of her kids think that she was the best teacher they’d ever had. I met this woman who, after I introduced myself, she said, Oh! Is your wife Linda Brecher? “You know my son had her in the second grade, and he’s now graduating from Harvard, and she was his favorite teacher.
Q: If you could choose anyone with whom would have dinner with, who would it be and why?
A: Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. I don’t know what I could contribute but to have them spread their knowledge. Oprah has influenced my life through her program. I watched it every day, and she opened up my eyes to a lot of things.
Q: What one thing gives you the most significant sense of purpose?
A: At this point, helping animals in any way that I can.
Q: What three words come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Love, Security, and Dogs.
From the interview with Jonelle Klein
