AW Volunteer of the Month Presented by Kokatat - Violet Jakab

We would like to recognize Violet Jakab for being a vocal community advocate in our efforts to save Mosquito Road Bridge.  No stranger to adversity, as a young woman, Violet escaped communist rule in Romania in the back of a refrigerator truck.  She immigrated to the United States and worked hard for a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Hydraulics at California State University, Long Beach. When not boating, Violet can be found with Yinky and Maggie her German Shepherds that serve as certified therapy dogs spreading joy among young and old alike.

Violet learned early on the value of saving Mosquito Road Bridge when she rafted Slab Creek in the early days with what she described as the “hair boaters” and used the bridge to hike out after deciding the river reach was above her head.  She also valued the beauty of the historic bridge and felt the County should preserve its vanishing history. Since the start of the Mosquito Road Bridge Replacement Project in 2013, Violet has attended every public meeting, was key in providing public comment for the administrative record and kept AW informed of community issues regarding the project. All amidst a backlash of unpleasant attacks of character from Swansboro neighbors falsely accusing her of stopping the construction of the new bridge. American Whitewater is glad she prevailed!

In recognition of Violet Jakab’s volunteer effort she will be receiving a gift certificate from Kokatat!