Originally from Massachusetts, Laura and her husband spent many years in Rhode Island, where they raised their two sons. Her academic journey began at the Maine Maritime Academy, where she studied oceanography. She later earned a master’s degree in teaching from Brown University, with a focus on oceanography and biology. She built a career as a high school teacher before transitioning to online education for adult learners and those pursuing career changes.
Laura has a strong connection to Maine that stretches back years. In 2005, her family purchased a camp in Steuben, where visits to the local library became a cherished tradition. With deep family roots in the Harrington area, a love for the region, and positive experiences like Milbridge Days and WHRL programming, making the permanent move to this area after retirement felt like a natural next step. She and her husband moved to Milbridge in 2023.
For Laura, an important part of her retirement years is staying active and giving back to her community. This is something that she feels WHRL has made easy for her. Laura spends several hours each week tending to both of WHRL’s Incredible Edible gardens. She also maintains the Little Free Library in the garden, ensuring the books are fresh, organized, and ready for children to enjoy. During Milbridge Days, she lent her baking skills to help prepare for the WHRL auction luncheon, and this past February, she brought creativity and warmth to the Seeding Reading program. Sharing a story about an apple tree through the seasons, Laura created hands-on poster activities that delighted young participants and brought back fond memories of her volunteer work when her own children were young.
For Laura, volunteering offers the perfect balance of purpose and connection. “You meet like-minded people,” she shares, noting how enjoyable it is to chat and build relationships while working in the gardens. She appreciates the flexibility volunteering provides, while still offering a meaningful routine. Most importantly, she values being part of something that directly supports the community—especially initiatives like the Incredible Edible gardens. Along the way, she’s even picked up new gardening tips to use at home.
Outside of her volunteer work, Laura enjoys a wide range of hobbies. She loves home improvement projects, cooking, and spending time on the water—whether that’s boating, fishing, or simply dropping anchor to read a good book. Laura and her husband love the outdoors, and she’s an avid kayaker and hiker, with a passion for exploring national parks and off-the-beaten-path trails. After attending a WHRL crochet workshop last year, she also rekindled her love of knitting and has even taken on the challenge of making socks on double-pointed needles. Laura also treasures time spent visiting her grown children and caring for her three cats at home.WHRL is grateful for volunteers like Laura, whose energy, creativity, and generosity help programs flourish year-round. Her story is a reminder of how giving back not only strengthens a community but also enriches the lives of those who serve.
Thank you, Laura!