By Kara Shire
Tri-Valley Herald

Sept. 23, 1999

DUBLIN — It was curiosity that drove Anthony Rangel to the Dublin Senior Center one afternoon last spring.

"I wanted to see what they did inside," said Anthony, a rambunctious 11-year-old with a penchant for Snickers and a knack for bugging his 15-year-old sister.

To find out, Anthony rode his bike to the center, and asked director Patsy Rankin if he could volunteer.

So began Anthony's tenure at the Senior Center, a relationship that has proved to be a plus not just for the seniors, but for Anthony, too.

"I'm happy that they like me, and I like them a lot, too," said Anthony of the seniors he chats with while filling salt shakers and taking out trash at the center.

While she wasn't too sure what to do with such a young volunteer in the beginning, Rankin said Anthony has turned out to be "such a gift."

"He's just a very special kid," she said.

Which is why she wanted to help after her youngest volunteer found his bicycle missing from his backyard one morning.

"I was mad," Anthony said. "After that I'd just watch people ride their bike to see if it was mine."

Rankin began a donation drive at the center that netted more than $100 -- enough to buy Anthony not just a new bike, but a lock and helmet, too.

Anthony said the gift, which came on his 11th birthday, made him feel good, but it was his mom, Sherry Smith, who was most surprised.

"This year Anthony didn't have a birthday party because I didn't have the money," said Smith, a Dublin resident for 10 years. "Then they called and said they had a birthday cake and then the bike, and then the trampoline."

Yes, Anthony also got a giant trampoline for his birthday, a gift from one of the seniors at the center.

"Anthony feels so good about being there," Smith said. "They are just so good to him. I can tell they truly care about my son. I'm very thankful for them."

Although Anthony hasn't been around the senior center much since school started, he said his work there isn't over.

"I like to see them happy," he said.

And if past experience means anything, Anthony will be back.

"There's not a lot of kids that Anthony plays with, and a lot of kids would just stay home,"Smith said. "But Anthony just goes out and does things."

Indeed, this young entrepreneur has had his own lawn mowing business, called Shorty's, and a dog walking service. When he was 8, he had his sights set on opening a movie theater with an ice rink and an arcade.

Now, he's looking to joining the 4-H Club and spends his time at a church youth group.

"It just really makes me proud," Smith said. "I just pray that he never loses his sense of giving and caring for other people."