EDITH LONERGAN, OUR BELOVED VOLUNTEER

by Kate Fitzsimmons

At a time in life when many of her peers are looking forward to doing less, Edith Lonergan shows no signs of slowing down. Since she learned that ELM would be opening up for in-person classes, Edith has been volunteering every Wednesday from 2-5pm in our enrichment program. She is incredibly artistic, always bursting with ideas. She loves teaching ELM students to do origami, crocheting, bracelet weaving and more. With her mischievous smile, ready warmth and creative spirit, it is easy to see why children are drawn to her.

When asked what she thinks makes ELM special, she didn’t hesitate, “Jane Kramer makes it special. She is the one who started it all many years ago and I have a very high respect for her and what she does. When I’m there on Wednesdays I see her rushing around and still smiling all the time. I see the students and how much they are engaged with the wonderful staff and what ELM gives the students.”

Edith continued, “Through the enrichment program, students come from school and before they have their instrument lessons, we engage them with art projects they get to take home. Regina, ELM’s enrichment teacher, is the one who is leading it and she needed an assistant.” She continues, “What I love about ELM is that the students have opportunities to have fun in addition to playing music. I also enjoy surprising them once in a while with goodies to eat. They’d love it if I brought them every time, but then they wouldn’t be treats, would they?”

As someone who cares passionately about ELM’s future, Edith shares her love of ELM with her friends and family. When she receives a newsletter or appeal letter from ELM, she shares it. “I invite them to the concerts so they can see what ELM accomplishes with the kids and tell them about volunteer opportunities. I always say to them, ‘If you happen to be doing donations could you please put ELM down on your list?’ It doesn’t have to be hundreds, but the more people who give, the better.’”

Thank you, Edith! You enrich ELM in so many ways.