Gypsy Road Trip

Volunteer Month Highlights John Harmon

April was Volunteer Month and a chance to give recognition to those who help in our communities. Without their help, many organizations would not survive. This year, we give special recognition to John Harmon, who has served the community in many different capacities during his years in the Cambridge area.

John Harmon remembers that volunteering has always been a family tradition since he was a child. They were always the last family to leave their Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky after making certain that the dishes were washed, chairs were put away and the floors swept. Here John sang in the church choirs, while his mother played piano and organ.

By the time John was in Boy Scouts, they were always volunteering for community projects and the older scouts would be teaching the younger ones. The Harmon family reunion was often spent cleaning up and making repairs at the Girl Scout Camp where his sisters attended.

After graduating from Muskingum College, John taught social studies and English in Rolling Hills. A few years later, he decided to move to Cambridge Junior High to teach math and English. He enjoyed the junior high students and introduced them to the use of the computer in the classroom. He especially enjoyed finding out why some students were struggling and finding ways that he could help them. He retired after 35 years of teaching.

John spends most of his time volunteering these days. When asked what his favorite project or organization was, he answered diplomatically, “The one I’m working on now.”

He joined Christ Lutheran Church in Cambridge and began singing in their church choir. Today, John is still very active at that church where he designed the new porch for Luther Hall, and enjoys doing repair work there. Many members are thankful for the ramps he has built for their homes making their mobility easier. He also serves as their treasurer and member of their board.

At the Salt Fork Festival, John helps in several capacities. He places direction signs around town so vendors and visitors can more easily find Cambridge City Park, where the festival is held. He is also responsible for building and tearing down the stage year after year in the Performing Arts Tent.

During the Dickens Victorian Village season, John volunteers as Father Christmas at the Welcome Center and greets tour buses. He coordinates times with Jim Thomas, who also portrays Father Christmas so there is always someone there. They often have their picture taken with visitors.

He also volunteers his time, truck, and trailer to help move the Victorian scenes downtown in October and back to the warehouse in January.

It wasn’t until 1990 that John began singing in groups locally. It all began with a Men’s Chorus organized by Andy Call, Bob Marks, and Berk Jones. That was just the beginning as today John sings in the Cambridge Singers, which has two major shows each year.

Chordial Chorus is a group of barbershop voices that perform throughout the year at various functions. He also participates in the Lions Club Chorus at their annual shows and is one of the Lions Club members. A friend convinced him to join the Coshocton Community Choir, which sings basically religious music.

John learned many building skills from his dad. When John was about eight years old, his dad was building a pole barn on their farm. John was on the roof driving in nails at that early age.

While attending Muskingum College, he became interested in a course taught by Louis Palmer regarding architecture. He later took a course in drafting at Muskingum Tech but soon discovered that he preferred home construction over commercial development,

His work at Habitat for Humanity is one of his special projects. Volunteers help people with lower incomes build their own house and become homeowners. Currently, they are building a home on Deerpath Drive in Cambridge. Flipping for Habitat will be a project to raise money to flip a house for some area family. Like most organizations, they need more young people to help with this construction work.

To assist him in his many building projects, John saves every piece of wood or any construction supplies that he can. “I might use it someday or be able to give it to someone who can use it.” These supplies come in handy quite often.

The Living Word Outdoor Drama features many local people who all volunteer their time to produce amazing weekend performances. John serves on the board of trustees there and is chairman of the building and grounds committee. He also participates in the performances in many roles such as King Herod, Judas, Joseph, and Nicodemus. His first speaking part came unexpectedly when a thief on the cross was not able to make it to the performance.

So much more could be added. Photography is another hobby that he enjoys, and he takes many pictures everywhere he goes. For a while, he enjoyed demonstrating the potter’s wheel at the Salt Fork Festival. And as John remarked, “We’ve just scratched the surface.”

John is impressed with the many great volunteers who make the Cambridge area a great place to live. “You are helping someone and they might pass it on. When you see someone who appreciates your volunteer work, it helps them and it helps you.” Many local organizations operate basically on a volunteer basis. Perhaps you would like to help out on a project of your choice sometime soon. You’re sure to be appreciated.