Patricia Abrum with Westfield Intermediate School Librarian Hava Preye. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
WESTFIELD-Even though Patricia Abrum disliked reading when she was a child, her career goal was to be a librarian.
“I hated to read when I was a little girl because I have dyslexia,” said Abrum, who in her retirement, volunteers her time at the Joseph J. O’Connor Library within the Westfield Intermediate School.
Abrum is among 40 seniors each year who participate in the city’s Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Program which is coordinated by Tina Gorman, executive director, Westfield Council on Aging.
“The program is designed to take advantage of the skills and talents that the city’s older adults have to offer while providing a tax break to them in return for their efforts,” said Gorman, adding, “priority is given to those who have not participated in the program in previous years.”
Abrum, who spent 30 years as an administrative assistant working in the education department for the Springfield Museums, said her years honing her organizational skills has made the library experience a perfect match for her abilities.
“This is a perfect place for me,” said Abrum. “The library is an organized part of the school and Hava Preye, my supervisor, appreciates what her volunteers do.”
Abrum notes that from the time she arrives, she is constantly on her feet, greeting students, helping them with finding books, and showing them how to research materials online. Additionally, she is checking in and checking out books, answering questions, and restocking shelves.
“You have to have stamina and you have to be dedicated and like what you are doing,” she said.
School librarian Hava Preye noted that the time volunteers like Abrum contributes to the school library are invaluable.
“Every year I have volunteers who come in to help with the daily business of the school library,” said Preye. “I couldn’t offer such a full library program without them.”
Abrum is an example of the type of candidate Gorman needs to fill out the 40 slots.
Seniors, 60 years of age or older, who are interested in more details about the program can call the senior center, (413) 562-6435, and leave their name, mailing address, and telephone number and an application packet will be mailed out. The deadline to submit the completed application with supportive documentation is Sept. 26 at 4 p.m., and packets must be hand delivered to Gorman at the senior center on Noble Street.
Patricia Abrum checks out books for a student at Westfield Intermediate School where she volunteers as well as participates in the Senior Tax Work-off Program. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
“This is a wonderful opportunity for eligible seniors to utilize their time and talents in a productive and meaningful way,” said Gorman. “A lot of those who work in the program volunteer for many more than the required number of hours.”
Gorman noted that to receive the full $500 tax credit, the volunteers must work 40 hours over an eight-month period.
“It averages out to just a couple of hours per week,” said Gorman, adding the hours will begin in October or November and must be completed by June 30, 2020.
“The 40 hours of volunteer services must be evenly distributed over the eight-month period,” said Gorman. “Volunteers can request placement at a specific school and can also indicate the days of the week and times of the day (morning or afternoon) that are best for them.”
Each packet contains a list of possible volunteer opportunities along with a brief job description for each.
“The vast majority of volunteers are placed in the public schools,” said Gorman. “They assist in the classroom, library, and at the front door as greeters.”
Gorman said that a “reading tutor” position is also offered which asks volunteers to listen to students as they practice their reading skills.
“Other opportunities for volunteering are at the animal shelter and in various city departments,” said Gorman.
The selection of volunteers is determined by lottery and placement at a particular site is determined by matching applicant skills with available requests, and depending on the city department, an interview.
For Abrum, who has already submitted her application to work for another year at the Westfield Intermediate School library, she relishes every opportunity to not only benefit from a tax credit but to make a difference in the school system.
“The kids are foremost in my mind and are most important to me,” said Abrum. “When I work in the library I enjoy helping them wherever I can. Also, the feeling of accomplishment and knowing that I helped the school is also important to me.”
Preye shared a similar sentiment.
“Pat Abrum is a hard worker who takes pride in what she does here at Westfield Intermediate,” said Preye. “Pat is reliable and always comes in with a smile and a willingness to help. I am so grateful for her!”
