Town Benefit reaching out to green thumbs

To the Editor:

I recently read your editorial (The Community Journal, July 21) about the up-coming Westminster Town Benefit, to be held on Sunday Aug. 13, on Academy Hill.

It is always a pleasure to read about what can be accomplished when people come together and make something happen.

What I have always found so special about the Town Benefit is the way in which people celebrate each others talents, skills, and gifts by pulling together to help residents who have suffered a tragedy, met with the unexpected, or as life often does with many of us, throws a curve ball we didn't see coming.

I think it is with this understanding and maybe similar experiences, that many towns people come together to share in this event; and in an unspoken way feel a tremendous sense of pride and community. I have to thank the committee members who rarely get the recognition they deserve for their behind the scenes efforts and tireless energy they share to make this day as successful as it has been. In addition to this one-day, they work throughout the year in a volunteer position to help those who find they are temporarily unable to help themselves.

The members of the committee Melinda Estelle, former Police Chief Bob Cudak, Peter Giammalvo, Tammy Dwelly, Dick Holroyd, and Nancy Green would prefer not to call attention to themselves, unless it is to reach out to the community to participate in this special event.

I know they would remind me that many others deserve attention as well, too numerous to mention here, but I am sure others would agree they deserve a special thank you.

In your editorial you mentioned many of the fun activities and booths highlighted at the event. I wanted to reach out to all the green thumbs out there and ask for their help. Last year we set up a farmers market at the benefit for the first time. It was very popular, and we were amazed and touched by all the people that donated their vegetables, canned goods and preserves, perennials, and yes - even fish.

We would like to reach out to anyone with family gardens to think of the benefit this year while you are tenderly growing plants, flowers, herbs, etc. Maybe you might want one tomato plant to be designated as the Town Benefit plant. Maybe when you are canning you might want to put aside one jar of jelly. All donations maybe brought to the stand on the day of the benefit. If you have any questions you may call Joyce Holroyd-McGuire at (978) 8745693, or Mona Berube at (978) 874-2938. Let's make this the best farmers market of the season, while keeping in mind the people we can help. See you there.

Joyce Holroyd-McGuire,

Westminster