September 20, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
A surprise drive-by parade in honor of longtime Senior Center employee Laurie Cosman, who is retiring after 23 years of service to Hingham's older citizens, brought a big smile to her face as fellow staff members, volunteers, and other well-wishers passed by her home in South Hingham today, holding colorful signs and calling out kind words of recognition and appreciation.
The parade was led by the Senior Center van, which -- along with the other participating vehicles -- drove by the colorful lawn display set up in Cosman's front yard.
"Laurie is loved by all. She was always dedicated to her job and pleasant to work with and would go out of her way to accommodate people's needs," Senior Center Outreach Coordinator Kathy Glenzel told the Hingham Anchor. "I used to tell her that when I saw her car in the parking lot, I knew it would be a good day."
Cosman started out when the Senior Center was headquartered at Hersey House on North Street, before it became part of the town hall building on Central Street. She served as transportation coordinator, arranging shuttle bus rides for seniors for trips to the library, grocery store, the hairdresser, and to do errands as well as arranging transportation to medical and other appointments for many of the town's older residents -- until COVID-19 put a stop to all but providing rides to meet urgent medical needs.
"Because we couldn't give Laurie a party due to COVID-19, the drive-by parade was our way of thanking her for her long years of service," Glenzel said.
Congratulations, sweet Laurie. You have aways been so service oriented and so gracious. You have been a special gift to many people, myself included.❤❤❤
What loss to the senior center! Such a conscientious hard worker and always cheerful and kind. Loved by all. You will be missed!
Enjoy your free time! XO, Joan