Sadly, at the beginning of this year, Xenophon lost one of its own. Julie Taylor, a dear volunteer who has been with us since the program began, lost a 10-year battle with cancer on January 1st. Julie started as a sidewalker, but as with most volunteers at the center, her duties did not stop there. She soon was coordinating volunteers, cleaning tack, helping with fundraising, or restocking emergency kit. There was never a job too large or too small and the enthusiasm that Julie had for the center and life in general was contagious to anyone who work with her. She constantly brought new volunteers into the fold and happily provided guidance to those less experienced than herself.

Even as Julie faced challenges of her own, she continued to come to the center nearly every single week, taking on small and large tasks, demonstrating the value in volunteers that goes far beyond sidewalking. Julie will be dearly missed at Xenophon. She will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched here.

Xenophon was not the only lucky recipient of Julie’s time and talents. Her heart for children was evidenced by her extensive involvement in the East Bay Children’s Theater and Mauzy School for children with disabilities. Horses were also a major part of Julie’s life. She was actively involved in her daughter’s horse showing career and with the Moraga Horseman’s Association. We are thankful that Julie’s husband, Jim, is still involved at Xenophon and we can still be part of this wonderful family.

Services for Julie will be held on April 1, 2017 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, at the Lafayette Community Center, Jennifer Russell Bldg, Lafayette, CA 94549