RVNA Salutes Vietnam Veteran & Volunteer, George Noyes

In recognition of Veterans Day this week, RVNA turns the staffer spotlight on Vietnam veteran and RVNA volunteer, George Noyes.

A Ph.D. and retired RHS science teacher, George has been sharing his energy and intellect with RVNA for over three years now. He is a valuable asset to our staff – helping tremendously with flu clinics, office work, health fair, and the food pantry. And in the spring of 2017, George was given the RVNA Volunteer Recognition Award for his many contributions.

We think George is pretty special. Get to know…George Noyes, Ph.D.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I was born in Portland, Maine and grew up in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  Each morning, our school bus route took us along the ocean overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There were many acres of fields and woodlands around our house and in the summer when school was out we usually went to the beach for lunch. I was always fascinated by the natural world and had a passion for natural history, especially biological aspects for as long as I can remember. After attending Rutgers University and graduate school in Maine, my wife and I moved to Ridgefield in 1978. I began teaching science at Ridgefield High School in 1981 and recently retired after 35 years there.

How long have you been at RVNA?
I have been with RVNA for over three years.

Describe your role at RVNA.
I am a volunteer and have worked in a variety of areas helping out mainly with flu clinics spending two or more hours most days of the week doing data entry from patient immunization forms.  I have also helped our nutritionist set up data forms and entered wellness data for her nutrition programs.  As I have a good background in human health issues and am constantly reading articles and research-related material in medical and nutrition areas, I have enjoyed passing on references to staff members and discussing these issues with them.  I also enjoy meeting the public at flu clinics.

What is your favorite part of your volunteer job?
Overall, being able to come to RVNA on most days and do something that helps others makes me happy.  Because of this work, I was asked to serve as a member of the Ridgefield Commission on Aging. I have been able to get a good overall feeling for the health and overall wellness needs of Ridgefield seniors and relay appropriate information from the Commission and the Department of Social Services back to RVNA staff.

Did you ever consider becoming a nurse?
I never considered becoming a nurse, but have taught many young persons anatomy, biology, and chemistry giving them the background to go on in the medical field. Many of them are now nurses, doctors, and physical therapists.

What do you love to do when you’re not working?
In my “spare time,” I am a very good cook, excellent gardener, and skilled woodworker, and quite good in many areas of technology.  In the down east Yankee tradition of my father and grandfathers, I was taught many practical electrical and mechanical skills and pride myself in being able to “fix anything”!

Can you share some details about your time in the Vietnam War?
I served in the US Army Medical Corps doing medical pathology work at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. At the time, emotions in our country were running high. While my wife and I lived in Washington, D.C., there were many days when riots would occur and I would have to drive down to her office at the National Science Foundation (near the White House) to pick her up so she could avoid the tear gas and conflict. We do remember being asked to represent the military at the dedication ceremony for the Kennedy Center. It was quite an evening with an array of famous people, including Leonard Bernstein who wrote his “Mass” for the occasion.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
I don’t think I would ever win the lottery, but if I had a lot of money … other than paying off my bills, I would give the rest away, perhaps to RVNA?

What’s your favorite book? Movie? of all time?
My favorite book would be Walden by Henry David Thoreau, and my favorite movie would be Lawrence of Arabia.

If you could eat one food for a year, what would it be?
Fresh Maine Lobster followed by fried clams.

Learn more about RVNA here.

R
Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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