Volunteer Spotlight: Maggie Russell
By Randi Orth, Volunteer & Outreach Manager
Maggie (in yellow) hard at work
Maggie is a delight to work with both inside our shop, during community events and in our earn-a-bike workshops. She is a smart, flexible, and fun volunteer, and certainly knows how to have a good time while teaching community members about their bikes.
Maggie is a very dedicated Create a Commuter Workshop Assistant. She’s truly one-of-a-kind, encouraging program participants to get to know their bikes, to be aware of themselves and their surroundings, and to have fun. “I love watching [her] teach the personal safety check because she really gets into the lesson”, shares Kelly, our Program Manager. “She keeps participants entertained and learning, and makes the workshop an enjoyable experience not just for participants, but staff and volunteers too!”
We’re so lucky to have Maggie’s support for the Create a Commuter programs and as a part of our organization. Check out what Maggie has to say about her time with us in the May Volunteer Spotlight.
How long have you been volunteering with us? How did you start with the Community Cycling Center?
I’ve been volunteering with the Community Cycling Center for over two years. I heard about the Community Cycling Center through friends and had visited the shop before checking the volunteer webpage.
Why do you volunteer here?
I love the mission of the Community Cycling Center. You promote biking for all! Bikes improve lives. I love what biking does for me and I hope others, given the opportunity to learn about bikes or to pursue an interest in bikes, will benefit from them like I do.
What is your role as a volunteer?
I mostly volunteer for the Create a Commuter program and have done a bit with the Holiday Bike Drive. They are both great programs that match people with bikes and build the bike skills of both the volunteers and participants. I learned how to overhaul a coaster bike hub through the Holiday Bike Drive Tuesday work nights!
What is your favorite Community Cycling Center program? Why?
The Create a Commuter program is my favorite. People who need bikes for transportation get a bike and an introduction to all the great bike resources around Portland, and I get to meet them and talk commuting–which I love. Bicycle commuting saves money, saves time, improves your health, and is fun. It is such a great program providing bikes to people.
What is your dream bike?
My dream bike is the one I have now. I’ve had it for over 20 years (the frame that is–most everything else has been replaced at some time). It is like and old, reliable friend. I know how to fix it, I know how it handles, and it gives me a great sense of freedom and fun.
What do you like to do when you’re not here?
I’m enjoying the NW and Portland by biking, walking, camping, skate skiing, and eating.
What would your bio-pic be called? Who would play you?
“Ride-on” with Christina Applegate