GIVING BACK
1,800 Volunteer Hours by Jenny King | Photo by Marjorie Christiansen Hudson Library’s John Gaston sets the standard for enthusiastic volunteering.
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ohn Gaston is a man of many talents and interests and you’d be hard pressed to find a more enthusiastic supporter of The Hudson Library. One of the first things he did when moving to Highlands full time in 2001, was offer his services as volunteer. He brought with him more than a love of reading. Graduating from Davidson with a degree in history, he then went on to work in computer programming for nearly 40 years. “This was when, to work on a computer, the service technician literally opened the door and walked inside! Our smartphones today have more processing power than existed in all of those early machines,” Gaston says. He continues to remain fluent in Windows based programs and offers free technology tutoring through the Hudson Library. He has been an active member of the library board and it was under his tenure that plans for the library expansion came to fruition. He trains new volunteers, has written the library’s newsletter and thinks he may have put in more than 1,800 volunteer hours. He took it upon himself to
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learn how to repair books and expertly covers new paperbacks to ensure their longevity. But perhaps his most important position is Keeper of the Chocolate. The library staff was quick to point out the box of dark chocolate Gaston keeps in good supply. “It’s important to keep them happy,” he says. Gaston was a part of H.I.A.R.P.T (Highlands Institute for American Religious and Philosophical Thought) and was one of the founders of the events discussion group Highlands Dialogue. He sings with the Highlands Community Chorus and has acted with the Highlands Playhouse, The Instant Theatre Company, and Highlands Cashiers Players. Critical thinker, history buff, self-proclaimed computer geek, actor, and singer, Gaston is most proud of his role as father and grandfather. He quickly quotes from Dr. Seuss and proudly announces his daughter is a published author. To make an appointment for tech tutoring with John, call the Hudson Library at (828) 526-3031 or stop by the front desk. Just don’t ask them to share their chocolate!