ALL RISE MISSION
ALL RISE will inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities.
Our Board
Patty Judge, Executive Director/President
Linda Johnson, Vice President/Secretary
Vincent Ricchiuti
Sonia Gradin, Member at Large
Patty Judge
President and Executive Director
Surprise or maybe Not
They say life is full of surprises. That’s how my life began. One big surprise. My parents, In their early forties, found themselves preparing for their fourth child. Nine years separated me from my closest sibling. And my life has been full of surprises and amazing gifts that I can’t even begin to explain. Yup, that’s me-full of surprises or maybe not.
In 1955, Life magazine published an article titled “Throwaway Living”. Surprisingly or not, for me, I was blessed with a stable, caring, and conscientious family life. As an infant, I was baptized in the church that my parents where my parents were married. My two brothers, sister, and I attended the same parochial school, junior high, and high school. I lived in the same home until I moved to college. My parents provided our family with stability through hard work and their faith. I was taught to respect others and appreciate what we had. My prize childhood possessions (Barbie doll, sno-cone machine, stingray bike, Mouse Trap game, and china tea set) remain with me and are in pristine condition. Somewhat surprising for today’s expectations or maybe not?
My early years were full of travel and adventure. I experienced long journeys in the ’54 Plymouth Station Wagon with my siblings, parents, and car full of vacation bags, picnic basket, and an ice chest. Being the youngest of four, I’m pretty sure I made their journeys exciting. Never a dull moment with a baby sister in tow. We traveled the northern route from California to Wisconsin every few years to visit family and friends. Before high school, I had touched my feet in nearly thirty-two of our fifty states. Besides our family visits, my parents were involved with the US Postal Clerk Union and Auxiliary. And again, as the youngest, I attend meetings and conventions all across the US in the new ’66 Plymouth Station Wagon. I was introduced to the beautiful landscapes of America and taught to respect nature. Somewhat surprising for today’s youth or maybe not?
At the age of fifteen, I became involved with the People to People High School Ambassador Program and traveled to Europe for six weeks with 35 high school students from neighboring schools. I developed an appreciation of various cultures, governments, freedom, climates, landscapes, and home. Somewhat surprising for today’s youth or maybe not?
In determining a career, my love for sports and the outdoors, an appreciation for my teachers, and a desire to connect with children and youth, I graduated from our local community college and transferred to Fresno State University where I earned a BA in Physical Education and my teaching credential. Additionally, I realized I enjoyed organizing things and developed “office” skills. I met my husband at Fresno State. Forty-one years later we remain a “team”. Surprising for today’s expectations or maybe not?
Our “team” grew by two when we adopted two baby boys whom we are very proud of as adults. Both of them are influencing children and youth in different and unique ways. Surprising for our family or maybe not?
A thirty-year career in education has been challenging and rewarding. Along the way I connected with CADA (California Association of Directors of Activities), #ICANHELP, along with various individuals who have made a positive impact on our world. Surprising or maybe not?
Retirement has offered me some free time for my love of the outdoors, gardening, and opportunities to travel. I’ve also discovered that my life experiences have led me to take on a new role as Executive Director of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation. Surprising for me or maybe not?
They say life is full of surprises. I can say my life has been full of blessings and purpose filled experiences. I don’t need a crystal ball to see where I’m headed. My rear-view mirror takes care of that. Surprising or maybe not?