By Jodi Marze, Lifestyles Editor
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE —
Harriet Greulich is this week’s Picayune Item Super Senior.
She has been married to Joseph for 45 years and the couple have two children and three grandchildren.
Greulich is a retired paraprofessional, of 20 years, from the Picayune School District.
“I was at one time a First Grade Assistant before entering the Title 1 Program at Nicholson Elementary. I still volunteer there teaching art to kindergarten, first and third grades. I also always help with the School Science Fair, under the direction of Maureen Pollock.
“Two years ago, I volunteered time to help Bobbi Barrows’ dyslexia class complete a program on the State Seal in which they won first place in the State. We then had fund raisers to be able to take five students to Jackson to present their winning replica of the Seal to Governor Barbour. I felt so privileged to attend the ceremony with the children and their teacher. That meant a lot to me,” said Greulich.
In addition to volunteering at NIcholson Elementary, Greulich is a driving force in the Greater Picayune Arts Council (GPAC), Pearl River County Arts League, The Crosby Arboretum, St. Joseph’s Hospice and the Mississippi Welcome Center. She is also a staunch supporter of the Picayune School Robotics Club.
GPAC President Carolyn Terry, says of Greulich, “A couple of years ago Main Street wanted to know if area organizations wanted to recommend someone for Volunteer of the Year. I immediately knew Harriet was the one GPAC should nominate. She was there with us from the very beginning and contributed so much.
“She is willing to do anything she can physically do to help GPAC, the PRC Arts League or any other group that she can help.”
Terry continues, “She has a heart for children; Harriet has done so much heading up our GPAC Summer Art Camp for children through the years. In addition, she has always attended and helped with the St. Paul’s Children’s Choral Concert. There are no limits to her energy or capacity to give back to the community.”
MSU Extension / Crosby Arboretum Director Pat Drackett, says, “She does amazing things for GPAC; she represents them well as she participates at the Piney Woods Heritage Festival each year. She always finds such great ways to engage the children. She has also done glass etchings for fundraisers and made beautiful jewelry. She is extremely creative and talented. She has been a joy to have at the Arboretum; I wish we had more involved who were like her.”
In addition to her service work, Greulich is a member of two painting groups: The Lunch Bunch and Grammy Cats.
She says, “We are groups of ladies who get together to paint and enjoy ourselves. I am also a member of TOPS #MS0350 as an assistant weight recorder.”
On retirement, Greulich has this to say, “My volunteer work and my hobbies are how I spend my retirement. I paint in watercolor, acrylic and oils. I make jewelry and etch on glassware. Retirement is fun and each day is better than the last. I can do so much more, in the community, now than I could when I worked full time.”
PRC Community Band, Main Street, and GPAC Board member Eileen Baker, says, “She is like the energizer rabbit; she never slows down. She gets more done than I ever saw anyone I have ever known.”
Editor’s note: Is there someone you would like for us to consider for our Super Senior feature? Send us an email or fax with details, including your contact information to: jmarze@picayuneitem.com or fax 601-798-8602.
