volunteer form.pdf
August 25. 2008
Fall Openings for Town Boards and Committees
Seeking Enthusiast and Dedicated Residents
WILBRAHAM -- Selectmen would like to hear from town residents willing to give their time and talents to town boards and committees. Selectmen report vacancies on several committees, some of them on boards with critical missions within town government.
With passage of a bylaw amending the structure of the Community Preservation Committee, selectmen will be appointing two at-large members to join the existing seven-member board. This committee oversees the recommendations for use of the Community Preservation Fund, a work cycle that begins soon.
There are two openings currently on the Personnel Board, with one resignation and the recent death of long-time member Jack Wilson. The Personnel Board oversees policy development and makes recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on a broad range of employment matters.
The 12-member Open Space Plan Committee is down four members. There is also an opening for a Planning Board Associate Member. The Associate Member is expected to attend meetings, become familiar with the statutes and regulations governing planning decisions, and to participate as a voting member when regular members are not available. It is a perfect position to learn planning and development concepts and protocols which guide growth in Wilbraham.
There are also openings on the Advisory Board of Health, Historical Commission, Council on Aging, and Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The Historic District Study Committee has reorganized for another year of activities and has one vacancy, which is designated as an architecturally trained member, but any interested resident may apply.
Patrick J. Brady, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, would like to hear from people with the time and interest to be involved on these boards. “We are looking for enthusiastic people who can contribute to policy development and service delivery in the specialized area of responsibility for each board,” says Brady. “Town government works best with willing citizens bringing their talents to our civic life,” he added.
Visit the official town website www.wilbraham-ma.gov to read about the activities of town boards and committees. Download a citizen participation reply form from the “Volunteer Opportunities” link. There is also excellent information about the work of town boards and committees in the Annual Town Report, available at the Town Office Building.
The board will be scheduling brief interviews with volunteers for these positions throughout September. Individuals wishing to participate on a town board or committee should send a letter about their interest, or a resume, or the online citizen participation reply form to the Board of Selectmen at the Town Office Building, 240 Springfield Street. E-mail can be directed to selectmen@wilbraham-ma.gov. Volunteers should be town residents and registered voters.
Senior Center:
Volunteers play a major role in the operation of the senior center. Opportunities exist in the delivery of direct outreach to seniors by providing friendly visits, transportation and assistance in running errands, shopping, keeping medical appointments, placing telephone well-being checks, etc. (As required by law, as a condition of being selected, all volunteers must give permission for a Criminal Offender Record Inquiry). If you are interested in volunteering your time and talent, you are welcome to contact Mary Ellen Schmidt, Volunteer and Activities Coordinator to request an application, by calling (413) 596-8379.
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