By Rob St. Germain
Contributing writer

Would you like more happiness in your life?  How about a bit more satisfaction from doing something with meaning that contributes to the common good?  Consider becoming an Ashland volunteer.  

In a recent survey of volunteers in town, 100% of the respondents found their volunteer work to be deeply satisfying.  Volunteering is a social function. It keeps your brain working and contributes to a deeper sense of well-being.  It also enables you to feel that you are a part of the community as opposed to just living ‘some place’.

“It just makes me happy,” said Larry DeJong of his work as the Art Coordinator in the Ashland Public Library.  Larry reaches out to various artists throughout the area to provide a monthly art exhibit at the library.

That is a form of niche volunteering where you bring youspecial talents to bear in a particular situation. There are, however, many generalist volunteer opportunities just waiting for someone like you to come along.  Often, even the smallest of volunteer tasks can provide an outsized benefit.

The Department of Prevention and Human Services has a variety of volunteer opportunities.  They need volunteers willing and able to help homebound Ashland residents. An hour or two once a month can make a big impact in someone’s life.

Some folks like variety, and volunteer for more than one thing.  Ed Hart is member of the Finance Committee, a former member of the Board of Health, a RAM Clinic core team member, a Town Forest Committee associate member and all-around helpful guy. 

“There are no downsides (to volunteering),” said Ed. “It benefits everyone, and it gives you that warm feeling deep inside.”  

The Fire Department section of the new Public Safety Building has an example of Ed’s handiwork.  He built the stairs and platform for kids to experience what it is like to slide down a fire pole. “It is an experience that these kids will never forget.  I love it,” said Ed.

Ad Hoc committees and clubs

The Ashland Garden Club is an example of an ad hoc committee.  The Club helps make Ashland beautiful by planting and maintaining gardens around the town. The club grew from one volunteer’s contributions.  

Rick Ghilani spruced up downtown Ashland with planters and flower gardens.  When he passed away another volunteer, David Foster, pulled together a small group to continue the work.  The Garden Club grew out of that effort.

Another ad hoc committee is GreenUp Ashland, the group that coordinates the removal of litter throughout the town.  On GreenUp Day, the first Saturday in May, 100 or more adults and young folk from all over the town come to Stone Park to volunteer to pick up litter on a particular street.  They are given a heavy-duty yellow plastic bag to fill and a GreenUp T-shirt or other gift.  You can also take part in the GreenUp “Adopt-A-Street” program where from May to November you will continue to GreenUp your adopted street or location.

Karyn Dann-Barboza, Chair of GreenUp, and her committee members work closely with David Miller of the DPW and Rajit Gupta, Director of Public Health.  The effort removes tons of trash from Ashland streets.  It makes Ashland more attractive and healthier.  That in turn increases property values.  It also saves the town paying for 2 or 3 additional DPW personnel, and that, in turn, helps keep the tax rate down.

When asked why she volunteers year after year for GreenUp, the Ashland Dog Park Committee, and Ashland Youth Soccer Program where she is a coach, Karyn replied that volunteering “Fills your bucket. It is the most ancient of remedies for the soul. You get rewarded with results, and you get to meet and work with a lot of wonderful people.”

The Ashland Farmers Market is another ad hoc committee that works closely with town staff but is not a formal part of the municipal government. The Saturday morning Farmers Market has contributed enormously to Ashland’s sense of community.  “Meet you at the Farmers Market” is a well-used phrase for so many people who rendezvous with friends or fellow committee members for informal chat.  The Select Board now holds official ‘office hours’ at the market.  “The Farmers Market has always been volunteer-driven,” says Steve Mitchell, a founding board member.  Steve is also a member of the Lions Club, a former Select Board member, and has volunteered with other grass-roots activities.  When asked about his volunteering he replied, “It’s never a burden. It is satisfying to collaborate with other volunteers and add value to our community. Ashland becomes a better place.”

Municipal Government Committees

“This town could not function without its volunteers,” says Town Manager Michael Herbert of the 40+ committees, boards and commissions that provide a host of essential government services.  Eight are elected and the rest are appointed.

Some people believe that many of these town officials are paid.   While that is true of the Town Manager and town staff, the reality is that no town committee members, elected or appointed, are paid positions.  Their reward is personal satisfaction.

Yolanda Greaves has been a Select Board member for 13 years after serving on the School Committee and a few other volunteer activities. She is currently the Board Chair.  Being a Select Board member is a huge commitment of time and energy.  “There are many reasons I volunteer,” offered Yolanda, “but mostly because I enjoy it. I enjoy the balancing act of maintaining the town’s character and moving forward at the same time.”  

Another member of the Select Board, Joe Magnani, a former Ashland Police officer and Chair of the Ashland Day committee, smiled and said, “It’s about stories, success stories: Warren Woods, Mindess School, Public Safety Building, the Downtown and Rt 126 projects.   There is nothing more satisfying than a job well done.”

The opportunities listed above are but a sample.  Many town committees need new members.  Do you have some medical training? The Medical Reserve has 7 vacancies. The Regional Emergency Planning Committee has 9 vacancies.  The Town Manager’s newsletter, published weekly, often lists volunteer opportunities.   Each committee, commission, or board has a webpage on the town website that explains its function.  Reading through these committee pages can help you to decide where you would like to apply your special talents.

Would you like to have more satisfaction in your life?  The opportunities are there waiting.  Become a volunteer.