Volunteer Spotlight, Don Eastman
Don Eastman
Withlacoochee State Trail
Don has had an interesting life, starting out just about as far away from Florida as you can get in the continental United States in Juanita Point, Washington. Chicago later became home, then the Cleveland area where he attended Kent State University. Without a clear idea of what to do, Don and a friend joined the military and spent two years in the Arizona desert as signal corpsmen. Next, he tried his hand at growing a company, working for 20 years with an injection mold company where he acquired skills in the fields of electric, hydraulic and mechanical repair. Wanting a change of pace, Don moved on to a tool-making company where he fixed and restored machines, before finally retiring in 2004.
Eager to be somewhere warmer, Don and his wife made the move to Sugarmill Woods in Citrus County. After two years spent working with the Coast Guard Auxiliary to keep busy, an article about the Withlacoochee State Trail in the local newspaper caught his eye, and in the fall of 2006 Don began volunteering with the trail. Don has been a member and the volunteer coordinator for the work crews that blow and maintain the trail for public use. His knowledge and skills have contributed significantly to people’s enjoyment of a well-maintained trail.
When not volunteering, he is still enjoying the trail, riding his recumbent bike picking up litter or joining a cycling group at least 2-3 times a week. He hopes to see you out there, where you are sure to have a good time, just like Don.