Laurell Brault is the Founder and Director of the Potsdam Snack Pack Program and will be honored with the Growing Community Award at our 2019 Growing Community Social. We asked her a few questions to get to know our award recipient:
Name:
Laurell Brault
Town of Residence:
Norwood, NY
Organization, how long?
Potsdam Snack Pack Program, 3 years as of November 2019
What is your relationship with GardenShare?
When I was starting the program one of the people who took time to meet with me, a newcomer to the area, was Gloria McAdam (the former director of GardenShare). She shared some of her ideas about resource providers and people/organizations that I should connect with for additional support. I also met Jan DeWaters when she was giving a presentation to the Potsdam Lions Club and decided to volunteer with the organization. Besides volunteering at the farmers market in Potsdam for the past three summers, I’ve also attended several GardenShare events and distributed resource materials about the organization.
What is your most recent accomplishment?
Organizing the Potsdam Back to School Fair! This was a major undertaking and required a huge commitment of time, including networking, coordinating with multiple agencies and organizations, and fundraising. The event was co-sponsored by the school district and Chamber of Commerce. More than 600 people attended the event and students received free school supplies, haircuts, dental hygiene items, vision screening, clothing, etc.
What has changed the most in your time in the North Country?
My appreciation of the community, quality of life, and wide variety of activities.
What has stayed the same?
I still have a hard time adjusting to the long winters! My first winter I stayed indoors for six weeks.
What's the hardest thing you've done or had to learn at the Potsdam Snack Pack Program?
Making cold calls and constantly seeking funding for the program. Learning not to get too low when I don’t get the expected results.
Favorite song?
Bridge Over Troubled Water and Stand By Me.
Last read?
Lessons From a Sheep Dog
by Phillip Keller
What's something about you that few people know?
I'm a naturalized citizen (Bahamas)
Why do you do what you do?
“If I Could Help Somebody Along the Way Then My Living Has Not Been in Vain...” Those words were sung at my mother’s funeral in February 1989. People shared about all the things she did for them over the years; there were so many small acts of kindness that we were not aware of. I would like the words that were sung at my mother’s funeral to be shared about me when I leave this earth.
What's your fondest Snack Pack or farmers market memory from the past year?
Snack Pack – I have been encouraged and inspired by the involvement of young children and how much they want to help their peers. We had a group of middle school aged students sell lemonade to raise money for the program. In another instance, a young boy selected the snack pack program as his confirmation project. He presented me with a basket full of granola bars that he collected for the program.
Farmers Market – I really enjoy seeing families interact with the vendors and asking about the different types of fruits and vegetables. It’s great to see young children eating fresh fruits and vegetables (along with the cupcakes)!
