Local volunteer remembered
By Caitlyn Kelleher

The American Red Cross decided because of all of her volunteer work for them, they would honor the Ashburnham resident by dedicating a blood drive in her name.

Mary Ann Powers, who died on May 30, 2006 organized the blood drive at the Ashburnham Congregational Church for more than 20 years, said Bill Stark, of the Red Cross.

"It's a great way of paying tribute to someone who was so dedicated to her cause," he said.

Stark, who worked with Powers for a number of years, said she committed her time, her contacts and her heart to organizing and expanding the blood drive.

"It was nice to have someone from the community," Stark said.

Powers, 72, lived with her husband, Bob, on Packard Hill Road.

The blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Ashburnham Community Church, Main & Chapel streets.

It will run from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. and the public is invited to show their support, according to Stark.

Carol Chenevert, of Ashburnham, worked for many years with Powers.

"She was a very caring person," Chenevert said. "She was very community oriented."

Powers organized all of the volunteers and worked to schedule the event.

"She put a lot into it," Chenevert said. "I can remember when I first started volunteering, it's been quite a while now and she was doing it before I was."

The gesture by the Red Cross is something that Chenevert said is well deserved.

"I think it was very nice of them to think of that," she said.

Powers wasn't only known for her work with the Red Cross but she also served as an election warden

"She was an all-around nice person," Chenevert said.

Stark said they haven't found anyone to replace Powers and her effort at the Ashburnham blood drive, so the work is being split amongst a variety of volunteers.

The Red Cross regulates who can donate blood. They say that anyone that is 17-or older, who is in good health, who weighs 110-pounds or more and who has not given blood in the last 56 days may try to donate.

The American Red Cross requires a positive ID before donating.

For more information or to make an appointment for any Red Cross blood drive, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543). Having an appointment is not mandatory, but will ensure the quickest possible process. Walk-in donors are also welcome.