Brogan: The Heart of a Community!

CONCORD, NH — About six weeks ago I received a surprise Certificate of Appreciation from the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) Program at Granite State College. It was completely unexpected but a pat on the back is always a nice treat to receive. For the past 4 1/2 years I have been volunteering for OLLI - presenting more than 30 classes at five campuses scattered around the state.

Over 700 members of OLLI have attended these classes which have ranged from one-day special events to as much as five weeks. The topics have ranged from an especially well-received history of the Concord Theatre to studies of film genres and styles as well as a hugely popular class entitled "Growing Up Catholic" which Peg Fargo and I conceived and shared with a most enthusiastic standing-room only crowd whenever we presented it.

Concord is, and I speak as someone who has spent nearly six decades here, a truly amazing city where volunteerism seems to be an integral part of thousands of peoples' lives. Growing up here, I saw it on a daily basis and came to recognize the sense of satisfaction experienced by those who made volunteering a regular part of their existence. My parents were out three or four times a week, volunteering for a food pantry at St. Peter's Church, serving on Boards for the Community Players, Concord Music Club, Parish Council, Friends of the Public Library, to name just a few. My mom, at 93, still volunteers at the McAuliffe School and as a Eucharistic Minister.

While Concord has sometimes been accused of being a "City in a coma," I don't think any of those who were volunteering in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, had time to notice that. The opportunities to give back were everywhere and they continue to play an important part in the fabric of the community.

The recent restoration of the seats at the "Audi" was the result of the all-volunteer "Friends of the Audi," and how many locals have donated their time for a wide-range of sports events or coaching throughout the years? There isn't a part of Concord that doesn't flourish without the passionate devotion and hard work of volunteers including scores of Boards that are filled with individuals committed to donating their time to make something that we can all share in or be proud of.

Through the years I've volunteered for a variety of meaningful endeavors because I feel it is very important to give back to a city I love - a city that has been good to me and forgiven me for missteps and cheered me on when I've done my best. Whether on a Board of some agency or sharing my passion in a classroom with a group of strangers who have become friends by the end of the class, I cannot stress enough the satisfaction of time well spent.

A few years back, I did a radio show for WKXL entitled, "Downtown Dialogues." It was a volunteer effort that I created as a way to showcase organizations and individuals in Concord who work for important causes, often for little or no salary. I heard great stories about the difference volunteers made in their ability to provide services to those in our community less fortunate.

OLLI holds its Fall Preview at 1 p.m. this Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017. It's free and is held at Tad's Place at Heritage Heights. There are lots of free refreshments and an opportunity to meet some of the hard-working volunteers who will afford local folks the opportunity to attend some great classes this fall built around virtually every topic and for every taste. It's worth taking an hour or two out of your day to check it out and experience the sheer pleasure that the volunteers bring to their venture.

In the meantime, with summer wrapping up in about a month, check out other volunteer or board opportunities throughout Concord. You might be pleasantly surprised at how welcome you would be and what a genuine difference you could make. For me, at least, volunteering helps me sleep very well at night.