When Jeff Laub moved to Snoqualmie nine years ago, he knew he wanted to get involved as a volunteer in the community. He jumped at the city’s suggestion to join a board that helps the government determine land uses within the shoreline area of the Snoqualmie River, as well as the flood plain.

“I knew Snoqualmie had a long history with floods, flood awareness and prevention, so I figured this would be great way to be involved with a need specific to Snoqualmie. It’s something impactful for the environment and citizens,” said Laub, a member of the Shoreline Hearings Board.

With an eye toward protecting the environment, the board met regularly to rewrite the shoreline master program, the city’s guiding document for shoreline land use, from 1999 to 2002. Now it meets intermittently to hear residents’ requests for variances from the plan.

Laub’s work on the project was briefly interrupted following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; a U.S. Navy reservist, Laub was mobilized to work with Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit 17.

“We were the Navy’s bomb squad in the Puget Sound area providing harbor security and defense” for about six months, he said.

He officially retired from the Navy on Saturday, May 3 after 20 years of service.

During those same 20 years, Laub has volunteered as an umpire in Little League District 9, which includes Sno-Valley and Fall City.

“It’s a blast! As my kids get older, I’m looking forward to helping them with sports,” he said. Laub and his wife, Karen, have two children: son Owen, 3, and daughter Ainsley, 6.

Owen was along for the train ride when Laub and more than 100 other Valley volunteers were recognized by the city of Snoqualmie on Wednesday, April 30. Laub was thrilled by the event and its turnout.

“This is a really neat feel,” Laub said. “Especially since they’ve tied it to something very local. The train is what started this whole city. The fact that they put some thought into it is nice.

“With the mayor and city hosting Volunteer Appreciation Day, it was a great honor to be part of. I’m amazed at how many poeple within a small community have chosen to get involved. That was awesome to see.

“It’s a great honor to participate in the community and in government in any capacity. What a learning experience,” he said.

• Do you know Valley residents who deserve recognition for their good work? Nominate them for Citizen of the Week, an award co-sponsored by the Valley Record and Replicator Graphics. Send your ideas to editor@valleyrecord.com.