Nola Brown Forbes ’70
Nola Brown Forbes ’70 is an avid community volunteer who, among all of her normal activities, has stepped up to assist SJA with 50th reunion planning and by making masks and surgical gowns to donate during the pandemic.
Anyone who knows Nola, knows she always find ways to stay busy, focusing on opportunities she is passionate about. She is active with the following:
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Daughters of the American Revolution
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Kirby Quilters
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Delta Kappa Gamma (international women teachers honor society)
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St. Johnsbury Band
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Lyndonville Band
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Kingdom Mountain Dulcimers
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local Retired Teachers Association
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St. J. History & Heritage Center
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Waterford Historical Society
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VT Society of Mayflower Descendants
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contributor for FindAGrave.com
She also regularly volunteers at these annual events (when not canceled due to the pandemic):
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VT Green Up Day
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East Village Old Home Day
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Vermont Quilt Festival
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SJA Capstone Days
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First Night North
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New Hampshire Highland Games (youth program)
And, she also maintains two small pollinator gardens at Grove Cemetery and helped with the St. Johnsbury Cemetery Commission work day in June at Ayer-Hawkins Cemetery.
It’s hard to imagine that she could find time for much else. But, that’s Nola – always looking for ways to stay involved and help her community.
Nola’s connection to SJA has continued ever since her time as a student. She is a retired SJA math faculty member and regularly joins us as a substitute teacher. She is a vital member of the Class of 1970’s 50th reunion planning committee.
Tammi Cady, Assistant Head for Advancement shared, “Nola has been working with the 50th reunion planning committee for well over a year. In addition, she has reached out personally to a number of Academy and Trade School alumni. Her historical knowledge of class accomplishments has been impressive and brings back some nice memories for people.”
With their reunion being postponed until next year, Nola’s contributions have helped to keep her class engaged and looking forward to next year’s planned event. She regularly shares photos, memorabilia and stories to the SJA Class of 1970 Facebook page, which are enjoyed by her classmates.
Her ongoing support of not only the reunion, but of SJA in general, is greatly appreciated!
Nola has also been volunteering to make surgical gowns and masks to donate. She made masks for the Pines Rehabilitation & Health in Lyndonville, Vermont in March along with surgical gowns for Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital before having to take a break in April and May due to a wrist injury and resulting surgery. She is happy to now be recovered enough to continue this important work. She has completed 56 gowns (including waterproof ones) and continues to make masks. She has been working with the Northeast Kingdom Operation Face Mask program started by Kim Behr. Nola is currently making masks for the St. Johnsbury Band to wear in memory of Deanna Wheeler, a passionate member of the band.
Thank you, Nola, for being a shining example of a community volunteer. Your impact is far reaching!