WOODSTOCK — Woodstock’s Bob McQueeney pitches in as a trail blazer, ski instructor and select board member, using skills from his career as a contractor.

Volunteer of the Week: Bob McQueeney Jr. of Woodstock. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen

Where do you volunteer? 
I volunteer with trail maintenance with various local groups, Woodstock Conservation Commission at Buck’s Ledge, Inland Woods and Trails, Mahoosuc Land Trust and occasionally, Western Foothills Land Trust.  I also volunteer for the town of Woodstock quite often on ad-hoc committees such as formulating Solar farm ordinances and medical marijuana. I occasionally chair these various committees. I also serve on the town’s cemetery commission and select board. I have previously served on the Conservation Commission and Planning Board.

Some of my favorite volunteer work is Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation, as well as with the Telstar Kids ski program. With MASR, some of the students only need a little help to enjoy skiing as much as I do, or some need quite a bit more. I think it is the love of the sport that drives this endeavor. With Telstar, basically, I’m a chaperone out there and I get some skiing in! These kids just want to have fun, and Mt Abrams makes this available to school age children.

There are so many who contribute to this from Sarah Tucker organizing the whole program to the teachers and other locals who volunteer. I can not speak highly enough of them for doing this. Some of the kids arrive fully outfitted, and others, it seems they would never be able to ski without this organized activity. This is a really heartwarming seasonal program and the kids absolutely enjoy this.

What inspires you to volunteer?
I can remember hiking trails here and there. These are more than old hunting trails. Steps have been built out of granite rocks and sometimes ladders are hammered into the granite. Someone took the time to build this for us to enjoy. I have always wanted to pitch in, and occasionally would do so. Being retired, I am able to do so with more regularity.

Do you or did you have a paid career, too? If so, could you talk about it?
I worked most of my adult life in construction, both commercial and residential. I learned a great variety of trade skills, some of which come in handy when building stream crossings. Obviously, handling “dirt” tools like shovels and rakes, and even other landscape tools like loppers are in huge demand for trail maintenance. As my career progressed, I moved up from laborer to job supervisor and have even designed multiple projects. All of this comes in handy on either trail work or town committees.

What brought you to volunteerism?
I think all of us are willing to pitch in when and where we can, helping out and doing good for the community. Life has a way of getting in the way, but as I am now retired, I have the time and willingness to do so. Occasionally, I get to use some of the skills I have developed over the years.

What basic skills do you need to do your volunteer work?
Mostly, it’s a willingness to pitch in. I’ve worked side by side with a good many people on trails, some regularly, some once in a while. Anyone with a willing heart and the ability to operate a shovel or rake can be valuable in the efforts. Town committees need people willing to work with others towards the best interests of the local community. For example, an office worker may have organizational skills to, say, run a committee to oversee future use of the town Grange hall. We each have some abilities that we have learned in our lives and these can be put to use to better the community.

Looking ahead what plans do you have regarding your volunteerism?
My plans are a bit hindered right now due to a recent ski accident and physical therapy often seems to be scheduled on trail work days. Fun fact, trail work can be great therapy!!! And I look forward to working with good friends to improve our trail system. As far as various town office positions, I am happy to watch over the concerns of the town, taking into consideration the current townspeople’s concerns. I’ve always had a willingness to pitch in, and being retired with some decent life experiences, I have the time and ability to do so. So long as I am able, my intentions are to do good where ever I can.