Neighbors recognize those who help to contribute
By Alyssa Christianson JOURNAL CORRESPONDENT

Members of the Town Benefit Fund Board of Directors honored local business owners and organizational leaders. Those attending the ceremony on Aug. 1, were Bob Cudak, Dick Holroyd, Bruce Vincent, Tom Lehman, Nancy Green, Tammy Dwelly and Ned LaFortune JOURNAL PHOTO/ALYSSA CHRISTIANSON

Three men were recognized for the work of their businesses and organizations contributions to the Town Benefit Fund of Westminster, also known as Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Bruce Vincent represented his business Vincent's Country Store, Tom Lehman the commander of the Westminster VFW Post represented that organization and Ned LaFortune represented the Wachusett Brewing Company at the small ceremony on Aug. 1 at Academy Hill.

The Town Benefit Fund board members presented plaques to the three organizations for their constant help and donations over the past year as well as for the many years they have been contributing.

"We thank them for their year-round contributions," Estelle said.

The listed contributions among many others over the past years show these three businesses contributions.

"We help families around town who are in need of money assistance during difficult times," Melinda Estelle, a board member of the Town Benefit Fund. "We don't directly give the family money, but we will pay for whatever services they have done in a time of need."

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is entering its twentieth year of service as a nonprofit fund for Westminster residents who are in need of money or emergency help.

"Vincent's has been a constant help to us," Estelle said.

Vincent's Country Store has been helping the Neighbor Helping Neighbors Fund for 15 years now, especially through its "Neighbors to Neighbors" campaign and numerous food donations.

The Westminster VFW has been a part of the Fund since its beginnings and actually hosted the first Neighbors Helping Neighbors event 20 years ago.

During the ceremony, board members noted the VFWs contribution through its monthly donations and meat raffles.

"It's nice to support what you believe in, and the VFW believes in helping others," Lehman said.

The Wachusett Brewery has assisted the Town Benefit Fund with contributions for the last 13 years. The company offers tours at its brewery and all the profit from them goes directly to Neighbors Helping Neighbors. The contribution from the tours alone is approaching $10,000.

The business has also held numerous events for the Fund.

"We did our Spring Fling specifically for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors," LaFortune said. "The work was challenging but worth it. It made me feel good for

helping out."

Not many other towns around have a Benefit Fund quite like Westminster, where businesses are more than willing to donate time and money to the town in order to help those in need, Estelle said.

She and board members said that the Town Benefit Fund wants to thank all those businesses who contribute and are proud to recognize these three especially for their outstanding aid to the Fund.