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Top: Ronnie Maffa and Scott MacDonald, employees at IBM Review architect drawings from Fieldstone Design to ensure proper plantings
Bedford, Mass. - Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital plans Veteran gardens with the support of 60 volunteers from IBM.
“One garden is going to be a healing and sensory garden with sitting areas and eventually a large water fountain and art work. Both of the Veteran gardens are designed to support interest during all seasons,” says Ms. Rothstein. Nancy Rothstein is the project coordinator at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital and is developing a group of volunteers to maintain and continue with the Veteran garden plans.
The initial plans were provided and heavy rocks were moved by an IBM team that volunteered at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital as part of the IBM’s Celebration of Service where employees, retirees, clients and business partners around the world donated their time and expertise during the company's Centennial year. 300,000 IBMers around the world -- close to three quarters of its global workforce -- are volunteering in more than 5,000 projects in 120 countries, meeting civic and societal challenges and serving millions in need.
Carolynn McCarthy, a project leader at IBM in Westford, partnered with colleague Steven Meltzer to co-lead this group of 60 volunteers to support a garden beautification project at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital. “Giving back to those who served helps to remind us that there is more and that more can be done,” says Carolynn. Ms. McCarthy has been with IBM for 20 years and is currently a project leader for IBM software. Prior to joining IBM, she served our country in the National Guard as a Sargent, Yankee Division in a field hospital for 8 years in the 1980’s.
“I appreciate IBM supporting this community service locally and worldwide. IBM wanted a way to celebrate their 100th anniversary on June 16th,” said Steven Meltzer. Steven is a Technical Manager with IBM. Mr. Meltzer also served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves for 33 years as a member of the 85th Ariel Port Squadron.
“The 85th Ariel Port Squadron also has a group of volunteers that participate in the Adopt a Ward program here at the Bedford VA. It is through this relationship that Bedford Voluntary Services participated in our Volunteer Fair at IBM,” said Steven. “Because of today’s activity, employees at IBM are also looking at adopting a ward.”
“As we rolled out the program and solicited help from staff at IBM it was amazing to me how many of our staff had been touched in some way by the VA.” Ms. McCarthy stated, “it became very clear that many felt they had a wonderful opportunity to give back, even if they didn’t have direct ties to the VA. It was about the men and women who serve our country. Our contribution would be an offering of healing for Veterans.”
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Hospital is honored to provide assistance to those who served our country. Learn more about the services available to Veterans at the Bedford VA or volunteer opportunities by visiting the website at: http://www.bedford.va.gov/
