No one manages to cram as much good into a day as Maggie Jackman Pryor.
That’s the consensus of the dozen or so people who nominated her as the 2010 Times-Journal Star.
Ms. Jackman grew up in Cobleskill and moved back in 2004 in what she called a “kid decision.”
And she hasn’t stopped yet.
“Maggie has always encouraged her children to be as generous as she is,” said one of those who nominated her.
“Instilling generosity in the next generation will ensure that our community will have great citizens tomorrow.”
Donna McGovern grew up with Ms. Pryor and appreciates all she does to try to re-create the kind of Cobleskill they knew as kids.
“So much of what she does is so kids today will have the same kind of opportunities we had while growing up,” Ms. McGovern said.
“A close-knit community and family are so important to her…”
Tara Rehberg of Schoharie called Ms. Pryor “an amazing mother, businesswoman, and asset to our community…She volunteers quietly and doesn’t seek the public appreciation.”
Ms. McGovern agrees.
While talking to Julie Pacatte, another longtime friend, both wondered if anyone else would step up to do the thinks Ms. Pryor does if she didn’t do it.
“I’m really not sure they would,” Ms. McGovern said. “I really don’t think anyone else could do all the things Maggie does. She’s always an active participant. She’s just determined.”
Plus, by virtue of being so involved, Ms. Pryor encourages others to step up, she said.
‘She’s definitely an inspiration.”
Lynn Craft of Cobleskill has a special connection with Ms. Pryor, who organized a pancake breakfast benefit for the Crafts after dad, Bill, died in November.
“She truly does it most of it for the pride of being part of the community,” Ms. Craft said.
“She offered to take my kids after school because I was unable to find sufficient day care to go back to work. She gives 110 percent…”
Kathy Smith, general manager at the Best Western, said she’s never surprised when she gets a call from Ms. Pryor, asking for a little help with some project.
“…she will call me and ask, ‘Can I rent a room for a family?’, ‘Can I buy bowling passes for a little boy?’ Maggie is always giving of herself to those in need.”
“Maggie is one of the nicest people you will meet in Cobleskill,” said Maria Jones, in her nomination.
“[She’s]…the busiest woman I know,” said Kimberly Holzapfel-Ross. “Maggie immerses herself year-long and in many events.”
Leelani Succi called Ms. Pryor “the magic behind all the downtown events that take place for the community. She puts others first constantly.
“Maggie is someone who doesn’t just complain about things. She makes things happen. You can count on her for anything.”
It’s no surprise, then, that one of Ms. Pryor’s biggest supporters is her husband, Bryan.
“Along with being a great mother to our three children and a wonderful wife…she goes the extra step to give the community things they may not have if it weren’t for her great ideas and efforts,” he said.
“When I ask why she feels the need to spend so much time volunteering, she says it’s her way of making Schoharie County a better place for our family to live.”