In the News

Concord COA’s Mary Hutchinson: Concord Journal Volunteer of the Week

Concord Journal

The following is the most recent installment of the Concord Journal/Wicked Local Concord Volunteer of the Week, where we spotlight members of the commmunity who have made significant contributions as volunteers.

This week, the spotlight shines on Mary Hutchinson of the Concord Countil on Aging.

Can you explain your volunteer work?
My volunteer work is to drive those who do not drive to doctor appointments, shopping, or whatever their needs may be.

How did you get started?
My mother, Rose, has been going to the COA for years and volunteering for some time. She loves it so I asked her to let them know if they need more drivers to let them know I am available.

What keeps you coming back?
The people keep me coming back. I love getting to know those I drive. Everyone has a story and those I drive have wonderful stories and I get to hear them. I also believe you must give back; to those that are given much, much is expected.

What is/was your profession?
I am a retired Navy nurse, and currently work as a hospice nurse for Care Dimensions.

What is your life like in Concord? Family? Children? Lifelong resident or recent arrival?
I am a sixth-generation Concordian. Growing up in Concord was wonderful with my six brothers and sisters. It’s also wonderful to drive others that have grown up here and to reminisce.

From the COA
Mary hails from a venerable Concord family that supported her leaving her roots to serve her country in faraway places. During the pandemic as the going got tough, Mary got going by volunteering to drive Concord senior residents to needed appointments in the early parts of COVID-19. Not only is Mary capable on the road she is also a geriatric nurse practitioner. The COA is lucky because Mary has never said “I can’t do it” to any request, and in addition to loving her community, she also speaks Tagalog!

Victoria Jacobson, volunteer and public relations coordinator