If you want to see Judy Schmidt’s eyes light up, just ask about her grandkids.
“Family is the most important thing in my life and has had the biggest influence on who I am and who I strive to be,” she said. “My husband Bill is my best friend and his support and love has sustained me through good and bad times.”
While her father, Harry Hagedorn, was involved in service organizations, Schmidt said she learned the most about “giving of yourself; public service” from how he lived.
His business, Hagedorn’s Radiator and Glass, was usually characterized by a group of men huddled around the metal stove her dad built and “solving the world’s problems” into the night.
“I remember being a kid and telling dad we would never be rich if he always gave everything away,” Schmidt recounts. “He only laughed and said that there were others who didn’t have it nearly as good as we did. …My ‘rich’ was the lessons he taught me, the confidence he instilled in me and the family values he gave me. My dad will always be my hero.”
Schmidt is proudest of her work with Silverton Together.
husband of 41 years, are the parents of
Cody Schmidt, Bridget Corsetti and
Natalie Britton and have seven grandchildren.
Occupation: Director of Volunteer
Services at Silverton Hospital, 14 years
Contact: 503-873-8420;
[email protected]
“Being part of the development of Silverton Together and seeing its success for the past 17 years; realizing the millions of grant dollars that have been brought into this community through the collaborative work of many; and believing that the parenting, community connections and community celebration programs do make a significant impact on children and families continues to be very rewarding and gratifying.”
Schmidt has seen her people skills and organizational abilities developed through nearly 20 years working in Volunteer Services at Silverton Hospital. As director, Schmidt oversees six departments and nearly 300 “unpaid staff.”
She said being coordinator of community services brings her together with students, schools, chamber, businesses, cities and many others.
“One of the major community activities I have had responsibility for is the hospital annual Fun Run,” Schmidt said. “This past May over 900 runners/walkers were involved. I have said it before, but it is well worth repeating: I love my job and the opportunity to serve in this position. It is an honor to coordinate such exceptional programs as our CareVan medical transportation program for our patients and to serve as liaison to the Silverton Hospital Auxiliary – an organization that I personally have been a member of since 1985.
“My job is always challenging so multi-tasking is essential as is a positive attitude and good facilitation skills,” she said. “It is also very rewarding, interesting and fun.”
Schmidt considers herself a diplomat rather than a politician and is running on a platform of building community awareness and involvement in the decision-making process.
“I try to always be optimistic and look for solutions rather than dwelling on problems,” Schmidt said. She plans to “promote civic pride and a vibrant, historic downtown core by supporting small businesses, improving walk-ability, implementing a streetscape plan and addressing downtown parking.”
She would also like to speed the completion of the Silverton Community Skate Park.
Schmidt encourages city residents to help make Silverton a better place by supporting local businesses whenever possible; by maintaining their properties and picking up trash around the community and by being good stewards of Silver Creek.
“In addition, I would like them to consider what they can do to support the youth of our community.”
