Thank you, Larry, for your decades of public service
If you’ve attended a demonstration, staffed a booth, or volunteered at a recent club event, chances are you’ve met Larry Fehrenbach. In the past year especially, Larry has become one of our most dependable volunteers, always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. For Larry, serving the community isn’t a new chapter—it’s been a lifelong commitment. Larry’s connection to the mountain began when he was just five years old, when his parents bought a small home in Lake Arrowhead. Although he spent the school year in Southern California, every summer was spent on the mountain. After his father passed away in 1978, Larry returned full time to help care for his mother and has called the mountain home ever since. His career was built around public service. Larry spent about 10 years as a teacher before working for San Bernardino County, where he served as a supervisor for 25 years. When he retired in 2012, he knew he didn’t want retirement to mean slowing down.
“I decided I really needed to have a plan,” Larry said. “I’ve always been in public service. To me, it’s important to serve your local community and do whatever you can.”
That commitment led him to become deeply involved with the Arrowhead Village Mutual Service Company, where he serves as president of the board. Along with helping oversee water service, trash collection, and snow removal for approximately 800 shareholders, Larry has spent years leading efforts to build much-needed new water tanks for the community. His path to the Mountain Democratic Club began through another form of public service: working elections. After serving as a polling place supervisor, Larry became increasingly concerned about the political climate and wanted to become more involved. Having previously volunteered for Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign through the Democratic headquarters in Redlands, he reached out again and was connected with the club. He attended his first meetings when they were held at Alpine Escrow in Blue Jay and has been an active member ever since. In recent years, Larry says the challenges facing the country have strengthened his resolve to volunteer.
“I felt like I had to do something,” he said. “Everybody can do something—whether it’s voting, going to a demonstration, or volunteering. You need to do what you can.”
Today, Larry balances his club volunteer work with his many community responsibilities. Whether he’s helping at the Running Springs Farmers Market, walking in local parades, participating in demonstrations, or supporting club events, he’s always willing to pitch in. Larry is quick to point out that everyone contributes in different ways.
“There are a lot of people doing great work,” he said. “I just do what I can.”
We’re grateful that what Larry can do is so much. Thank you, Larry, for your decades of public service, your dedication to our mountain communities, and the countless hours you’ve given to our club. Members like you remind us that building a stronger community starts with simply showing up.
