Community Involvement

Like many working parents, I didn’t always have time for formal volunteer roles. Between work, raising kids, and family responsibilities, just keeping up sometimes felt like plenty. I helped where I could—chaperoning field trips, volunteering in the library—but I also know I’m not alone in feeling stretched. Many parents care a lot about what’s happening in town but don’t have time to follow every meeting. I get it—and it’s one reason I care so much about making the Planning Board’s work easier to follow and understand.

As my kids got a little older and life allowed for more flexibility, I was able to step into more formal roles.

In 2017, I joined the Dog Control Subcommittee, where I helped draft a bylaw that addressed a real divide in town—between those who wanted no restrictions on dogs in public spaces, and those wanting a strict leash law. I worked to help the group find a middle ground that balanced freedom and accountability, and the bylaw passed at Town Meeting.

I also served on the Master Plan Steering Committee. I was part of the team that selected the initial planning consultant, helped lead public input efforts like the kitchen conversations, and stayed involved during a difficult mid-project transition when the consultant unexpectedly resigned. I worked with others to find a path forward that later resulted in a completed and adopted Master Plan—one that reflects the values and priorities of our town.