Volunteering felt right in 2023

I spent most of this past year volunteering in and around Salem, MA. In the spring I raked up cigarette butts in Lafayette Park alongside Jeff Cohen and others for the Salem beautification Committee. It was a cold wet productive day that was rewarded with very good pizza from Essex Pizza and a reception at East Regiment Beer Company.

Later in the Spring I slyly volunteered for the Salem Arts Festival and I worked the rainy and cold main stage. The volunteer that worked the venue was pleased to have a seasoned AV volunteer and when I hear we were not getting lunch I had Essex pizza deliver to us on the main stage.

I worked in the Point at the food Pantry for a few months and tried to improve both my Spanish and Portuguese much to the laughter of patrons whose English was better than my attempts at Spanish or Portuguese. They do a wonderful job at the Salem Pantry and I hope to volunteer there again soon. They are also always looking for help.

Lastly in October I continued my riding for the Great Cycle Challenge and raised more money than I thought and added to my 4 year legacy for this event.

Volunteering felt right this year. I was able to be useful and give back to the city of Salem. I learned lots more about the City I live in and I look forward to helping more in 2024 as time allows.

You don’t have to run for office to make an impact in Salem, just be of service where you can. I f you have the time, please consider joining me in 2024.