Brad Baker
Brad Baker is fairly new to Buckingham County. He and his wife moved here in 2019. Once he fully retired from working in 2021, he began looking for opportunities to give back. Brad became treasurer of the Curdsville Community Center (CCC) in 2023. He quickly understood that with the existing fundraising efforts, the center would be bankrupt within a year. He worked with the members and the existing board to bring on a new board that could help facilitate more fundraising activities and increase the member population. With his guidance, the CCC has been able to install two heating and air units, replace the leaking roof, and insulate the attic. In addition, in-kind donations were made for painting the front of the building, adding gravel to the drive and parking areas, and installation of a pollinator garden. Also, there are funds in place to install two large heating units and storm windows this winter. All of these improvements will help stabilize the main building and make it more comfortable for members. Brad, along with another member, personally helped replace plumbing, repaired floor joists, and put down new flooring in the restrooms of the center. He also patched the roofing until the new roof could be installed and stained the front steps and ramp to help preserve the existing decking. He also worked with another member to map all of the electrical outlets and panels in the building to ensure we have a firm understanding of any electrical needs going forward.
Brad has made it his responsibility to call and meet with all of the contractors. He walks them through the issue and explains what we are trying to do to preserve this historic building. By sharing the story of Curdsville, some of these contractors have provided discounts and/or provided materials free of charge.
In addition to his work at CCC, Brad is also a volunteer firefighter with the Toga Volunteer Fire Department. He lives less than a mile from the firehouse, so he is close enough to attend most calls. He picks up the truck and then picks up a fellow firefighter from the Amish community nearby. The calls are pretty frequent because they cover events such as auto accidents, brush and structure fires. In addition to the fire and rescue calls, Brad also participates in the firehouse fundraisers by selling raffle tickets, helping during the fundraising events, and volunteering at the Christmas Train. He has also offered to help Toga build out their 5-year financial plan and is working with the Chief and Treasurer.
Brad is also the first to offer his service to other groups as well as our family. He assisted the garden club setting up and tearing down for the plant sale. He is also the first to volunteer when someone in the family has a need.
It is my sincere hope that you will choose Brad for The Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year Award.
