Forbush trustees want to say thank you

To the Editor:

The staff and trustees of Forbush Memorial Library would like to publicly acknowledge the retirement of two long time employees and thank them for their many years of service to the library and its patrons.

Richard Lawrence II joined the staff 14 years ago after a long career in the lumber business. He was a hard working and steadfast employee. Mr. Lawrence will certainly be missed at the post office where he picked up library mail for over a decade. He will perhaps be best remembered for the botanical wonders, interesting news clippings and book reviews he displayed at the library's main desk and the engaging conversations he initiated about them.

He served as our Librarys resident naturalist and became the "go to guy" for any and all questions about native flora as well as exotic plants.

JoAnn Helenius was a member of the library staff for 31 years. When she was hired by director Stanley Kendig to work evenings, the library was essentially a one floor operation. She was a "port in the storm" during the effort to renovate the basement to house the children's room and eventually with the complete renovation of the library. In addition, she knew the collection and the interests of readers and was an invaluable resource to so many patrons in search of a good book. Mrs. Helenius held technical services and bookkeeping responsibilities for many years and recently served as interim library director. Mrs. Helenius will be remembered for her distinctive and hearty laugh and her willingness to help others. Many of us will miss her updates on the readiness of the blueberries, in the summer, at her farm in Ashburnham.

Richard and JoAnn, thank you for your service to our library and community. We are sure that all FML patrons join us in wishing you both a happy, healthy and fruitful retirement. The Forbush Memorial Library

Staff and Board of Trustees

Westminster