Fred and Jean Hall have lived in the Applegate Valley since 2003, and have been active members of the local community. When their grandchildren attended Applegate School, Jean was a legendary volunteer. She tutored for the SMART reading program, coached Battle of the Books teams, and led a student book club. The Halls have had numerous fundraisers in their barn to support Applegate School. The first one benefited the school library, with subsequent fundraisers for the strings program, science and art. The events featured local musicians and silent auctions with items donated by members of the community.
As Jean’s 90th Birthday was approaching, Fred and his family began thinking, what do you give a woman who doesn’t want presents? Their son Jeremy and his wife Erin thought ‘what is better than books for kids?’ and wanted to incorporate the Applegate School Library. From this, the idea for the ‘Grandma Jean Hall Applegate School Library Endowment’ was created. Fred reached out to Applegate School Principal Steven Fuller, who connected him with the Redwood Foundation for Education.
Fred established the ‘Grandma Jean Hall Applegate School Library Endowment’ in 2024 with the Redwood Foundation for Education, and gathered friends and family to raise $10,000. These funds are the beginning of an endowment that will provide an annual grant to support the Applegate School Library in perpetuity.
“Having enjoyed years of teaching, I chose to help at Applegate School as soon as our grandchildren began kindergarten. The staff welcomed me, made me feel at home and found many ways for me to be helpful. My years at Applegate School have given me great joy and made me increasingly aware of the tremendous gift the staff provides for the students of the community. I am deeply grateful for their welcome and encouragement and for their outstanding role as educators.” – Jean Hall
