Volunteer fair bustles despite snow dusting

The fifth annual volunteer fair last Saturday at the Baldwin Public Library went on as scheduled despite the light snow. The parking lot was packed (as always), and library Trustee Carl Williams said that a couple of cancellations hadn’t put a damper on the affair. “We had a few organizations cancel because of weather,” Williams said, “but the rest of the groups sort of spread out, and we’ve had a really good flow of people.”

The usual suspects were all on hand, recruiting volunteers: the Chamber of Commerce, the Baldwin Education Assembly, Kiwanis, The Baldwin Civic Association, scouting groups and Relay for Life — which held its annual kickoff celebration earlier this week (see page 2).

Among the 100 or so people who were shopping for volunteer opportunities was 10-year-old Ryan Martin, who already serves on the student council at Brookside Elementary. Ryan said he was looking for ways to get involved in his community. “I just like to help,” he said, handing a sheaf of informational handouts to his mother, Leslye.

According to library Director Cathy Overton, the fifth incarnation of the volunteer fair was the biggest yet. “It’s grown every year,” Overton observed as she arranged a set of pamphlets on a folding table outside the community room. “Organizations really get people involved through this event. It helps to clarify the needs of the community.”