Brenda Gora

by Lynne Ober

Energetic Brenda Gora didn’t know what to do with her time after she retired so she went back to work and found many ways to help the Hudson community.

Brenda, who has lived in Hudson all her life, went to Hudson Center School, then to Webster School before attending Dr. H. O. Smith School. "I went from H. O. to Alvirne and I graduated from Alvirne," she recalls with a smile.

"I worked for thirty years for the telephone company." Brenda paused and then said, "Well it was really under three names, but it was the same company. It was New England Telephone, then Nynex and finally Verizon."

During those years Brenda and her husband Russell, who is a Vietnam War veteran, also raised a son Andy, who now lives in Nashua. "We did all the normal family things," Brenda said. "Now I have four grandchildren and I love to spend time with them."

When Brenda retired, she was surprised to discover that she was a bit bored. "I guess I was used to being very busy – juggling family and work. My husband still works for Nashua Corporation." Brenda began actively looking for activities to fill some of her hours. "I just couldn’t stay home, but I didn’t want to work full time either."

Today, she’s settled on a routine that combines a fun part time job with volunteer work. "I love it."

Brenda works in the Hudson School District Food Service Division. "I get to work at Alvirne. The kids help keep me young," she smiles. "It’s the perfect job because it’s part time, fun and let’s me interact with people. Perfect for me at least."

She also became involved with the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary. "My husband is the Quartermaster at the V.F.W. so it seemed natural for me to pitch in." And pitch in she did. Brenda has been the President of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary for three years. When asked how long her term is, she smiles, "One year."

"And she better not quit," chimes in another V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary member. "She’s wonderful and has really made a difference. She has lots of ideas and keeps us going with our projects."

One thing that Brenda likes about this organization is the chance to help the community. "We do all sorts of fun and needed projects," she said.

"We do quite a bit over the holidays. For example, we held a Christmas party for over sixty of Hudson kids this past Christmas. Christmas is about kids and helping others so that was fun."

Brenda was also active at Thanksgiving helping the Fish and Game Club put on their Thanksgiving dinner. "That’s a wonderful activity and I love to help with it."

During the last election, she helped organize rides to the polls for people who needed assistance. "This was not affiliated with any political party. We just provided rides. We didn’t care who you voted for." She also organized a booth at the polls manned with volunteers who help Town Moderator Mike Keenan collect goods for Hudson residents serving overseas.

Before Halloween Brenda organized a reflective bag project. "We wanted to give reflective bags to the elementary schools for the students to take with them when they were out Trick or Treating."

"As part of my responsibilities as President, I’ve looked for ways to help veterans. We made and donated lap robes to the VA Hospital and we volunteer at the VA Hospital every second Thursday of the month. That’s a big commitment, but it means a lot to the veterans in the hospital."

Brenda hates to take credit for the many activities of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary and is always quick to give credit to others, and the members, in turn, are quick to credit her for her leadership. "She brings lots of energy and ideas to our group," said a member.

Another activity that she helped organize was the clothing drive for homeless veterans.

Girl Scout Troop 1002 has been adopted by the V.F.W. and Brenda is frequently visible at their activities and meetings. She also praises the Girl Scouts for the commitment that she sees. "It’s our next generation growing up and we can be quite proud of them," Brenda smiled.

The V.F.W. donated two park benches to Bensons as part of Megan Cook’s Gold Award project. "We participated in the Pocket Flag project with Megan," Brenda beams.

Next time there’s a parade in town, look for Brenda. You’ll find her marching with a wide grin on her face.

Do you know someone who would make a good candidate for the Getting to Know You column? Contact Lynne Ober at skibear@cheerful.com or 880-1516.