I Love My Community: Helen Ripken

Helen Ripken, a Stockton, California, retired resident who is also a part-time photographer, recently discussed her commitment to community and family.

HLM: Tell us about yourself.
HR: I’m from Santa Rosa, California. I grew up on a small dairy farm with space to roam. When you needed to discuss a problem there was always someone to talk to, even if it was only a cow. They always would agree with you.

HLM: How long have you lived here, and what do you love most about it?
HR: I’ve lived here for 55 years. I may not be a native but almost, at least I feel like it. Stockton has so much to offer, from the cultural venues to the population. You can find anything you want in Stockton, from a Sunday afternoon at the symphony to the great Mexican food here. It’s just comfortable.

HLM: What sparks joy in your life?
HR: My biggest joy is being able to see my grandchildren grow to be the best that they can be. Soon one will be off to college. Time goes too fast. Another joy is spending time with my friends, especially my old investment group.

HLM: We hear you love to cook. What is your favorite dish to prepare?
HR: A signature dish of mine is Martha Stewart’s macaroni and cheese. It’s the most comforting food you can imagine. It’s easy and everyone loves it. I do like to do desserts. My favorite dessert to make is an apple crisp that just says, “It’s fall.”

HLM: You are the official photographer for HERLIFE Scene & Be Seen pages. What do you like most about that role?
HR: I love that it allows me to get out into the community to see all the great things that are happening on a grass-roots basis. The participation of the community members to support all the worthy causes that benefit all of the area fills your heart with pride. I have to say seeing people I know is great fun also.

HLM: What is your favorite subject to photograph?
HR: Hands down, I love taking photos of roses. Second would be flowers of all kinds. I have friends who have gorgeous roses that I can photograph and then make cards for them. It’s fun to do. Landscape photography comes in third when I’m traveling.

HLM: What are your top three bucket list items:
HR: My bucket list is down to one item. Age does that for you. I want to visit Berlin, Germany, again. My family and I were able to visit there before the wall came down. We got to experience the long procedure to pass through Check Point Charlie from the east side of the wall back into the west. Six months after the wall fell, my oldest daughter and I got to walk from old west Berlin into east Berlin. I want to see what Berlin feels like now 35 years later.

HLM: Where do you enjoy giving back to your community?
HR: I lived in the Cape Cottages complex for 15 years. It’s a great place to live, friendly neighbors who look out for one another, well-maintained grounds and a feeling of safety and security. That being said, I have been on the HOA board for four years. It gives me a chance to give of my time to the community.

HLM: Where was your favorite travel destination:
HR: Hands down, Paris, France. It’s the roof tops and the enjoyment from walking the streets pretending you live there.

HLM: What accomplishments are you most proud of?
HR: I’m most proud of my three daughters. Each has become an independent, caring, successful woman. One’s a CPA in San Francisco, one’s a teacher in Tracy and one’s a sales executive and mother of the grandchildren here in Stockton. Each one is unique in their own personality. Plus, they all make wonderful traveling partners.

HLM: What are you reading now?
HR: Today it’s Ana Reyes’ The House in the Pines, a mystery. Tomorrow it may be a cozy mystery, historical fiction or a good
old-fashioned thriller.

HLM: What is your favorite food/dessert?
HR: Barbecue ribs and anything chocolate. What more can I say?