Laura Bridges (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Recently, the Council on Aging created a position that would help the agency recruit and train volunteers. Harvard resident Laura Bridges stepped into the role as volunteer coordinator. The Press spoke with Laura to find out more about her and what she brings to this position.

Press: Tell us about yourself.

LB: I grew up in Harvard, have remained in the Boston area, and returned last summer. Quite an adjustment, as we moved from a condo to an old house and there is always something to fix. I am married to Jim Bridges, with three sons (two in college, one at home). I have three cats and one very energetic dog.

Press: What is your role at the COA?

LB: To support the COA’s current volunteers and to recruit and orient new ones. In my role as a volunteer, I am given direction by the COA staff as to priorities. The COA offers a terrific assortment of trips, programs and activities for Harvard’s seniors. It also provides individual and family support, referrals, etc. I am truly impressed by how much is offered, given the small staff—they are unsung heroes!

Press: Do you have previous volunteer experience?

LB: I’m currently a member of the Patient Safety Advisory Council at Nashoba Valley Medical Center. I was site coordinator at Loaves & Fishes from 1997 to 2000. I was Central Mass. regional coordinator for Parents Helping Parents from 2000 to 2002. Both these positions involved significant time spent in volunteer recruitment and training. I volunteered in the town of Ayer, serving on the Open Space and Recreation Committee, and on the Small Cities Citizens Advisory Committee.

Press: What do you feel that you personally will bring to this position?

LB: I have experience in grant-writing, program design, and staffing. I have worked with and for individuals and families dealing with various issues. Supporting the COA in that regard is important to me. I bring experience from nonprofit, medical, and human service settings. Having grown up here, and then recently returning, I bring a fresh set of eyes—while retaining a sense of the community’s history and culture. I am seeing many familiar faces at the COA. They are the wonderful folks who made Harvard what it is now, and I remember many of them from growing up. There is strength, intelligence, wisdom and humor in this group. We are fortunate.

Press: Are there some needs for the clientele and the COA office that you would like to fill?

LB: While the programming and events at the COA are top-notch, one thing I have noticed is that there are sometimes smaller needs that are not so easy to fill. It might be as simple as picking up mail for someone who can’t get to their mailbox, or helping with a simple household repair or finding time to walk with an older neighbor for fresh air and exercise. There are always equipment needs—office supplies, computers, printer ink, paper products, and cleaning supplies. Items that can be used at meetings and weekly luncheons at Hildreth House—especially coffee, tea, and paper products. Basically, if people have an item in good condition that they think we can use—they should call us and ask. If we can’t put it to good use, we likely know who can. Donations are gratefully accepted. There are space limitations, so phoning the COA office before bringing items in is advisable.

Press: Are there any new programs or events that you would like to see developed?

LB: The COA is working to develop a handyman volunteer project, where folks who can do simple household and yard repairs or tasks can assist their neighbors by sharing their skills. We’d love to hear from anyone who knows how to fix a dripping faucet, is willing to rake out a flower bed, or can fix a squeaky door. Also, some COA members have mentioned an interest in starting up a weekly board game session, and a volunteer to assist in that effort would be great.

I would like to see the seniors-helping-seniors program with Bromfield and other high school students be more active. I invite new ideas from students and am available to meet with them to plan for summer projects and for next school year.

Press: What can the residents of Harvard do to help?

LB: Volunteer! Folks are warmly welcomed to meet with me at Hildreth House for coffee and a tour, and to learn more about opportunities to help. There are a wide range of things to do. And if people don’t have a lot of time, we have plenty of short-term projects. Right now there are several jobs that need to be done—computer projects and interior and exterior upkeep. There is always something to do.

For more information or to receive a volunteer packet contact Laura Bridges at the COA at 978-456-4120 or by e-mail coa@harvard.ma.us.