Quiet Heroes

Quiet Heroes – Older Adults Contributing to the Community

by Janet Ceasar

Did you know that older adults (over age 55) comprise 31% of the total population of Pelham? Did you know that they contribute mega dollars in taxes to the town? Did you know that they also contribute in many other ways to the well being of the community? Sitting in a rocking chair, snoozing or knitting? Think again! They are out there volunteering and saving Pelham a vast amount of money, i.e., your taxes, and providing services which otherwise would not be available.

These older adults give generously of their time and talents to improve life in many ways. Volunteers at the Pelham Council on Aging Thrift Store (at the Hobbs Community Center) spend countless hours receiving donations, sorting, pricing (very low!) and assisting customers to save a lot of money. What a blessing in these days of inflation! Volunteers at the VFW assist veterans in many ways, not to mention providing a monthly dinner for the community – another treat for those of us watching our pennies.

You probably know about these organizations and their volunteers, but do you know any Quiet Heroes? These are the individuals who give their time and talent in ways that people do not usually hear about. Those who knit hats and mittens to keep Head Start children cozy every winter. Those who help clear trails in our parks and conservation areas so that everyone can enjoy a safe and peaceful walk to refresh their spirit. Those who regularly collect food for the local Food Pantry (at St. Patrick’s Church) so that none of us need go hungry. The list goes on and on and we would like to hear about them.

If you know someone like this, a quiet hero, please ask them if we could meet with them and write a brief article for the Pelham Evergreen. We know what they will say – “Oh, it’s nothing much”, because that is the way this work is done, but it is something, and we should like to celebrate it and also to encourage others to see that a lot of a little makes a difference.

Please think of the Quiet Heroes that you know and ask them for permission for Janet Ceasar to call them. Their name and contact information should be sent to Sara Landry at theHobbsCommunity Center. Phone: 603 508-6303 or Slandry@pelhamweb.com

Thank you for your time and contributions.

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