TELL US: Who Makes a Difference in Wilmington?
Help showcase people who are doing great things in your community with our new feature, Count Us In.
Your neighbor who volunteers at the library, your child’s bus driver, and the Little League coach in your community may not seem to have much in common at first glance.
But Patch’s new initiative, Count Us In, aspires to bring together all Good Samaritans by highlighting residents who are exemplary at making your community a more positive place.
It could be some of the Women of Wilmington who organize events throughout the year. Maybe it's the Fourth of July Committee members who make the annual festivities and the Tree Lighting ceremonies run so smoothly. Or maybe it's local Rotarian and Wildcat athletic staple Jack Cushing. It could also be the dedicated volunteers at the Wilmington Food Pantry.
Partnering with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC), Count Us In aims to illustrate HPHC's values. They believe that “amazing things happen when people work together” and that is why we want to share stories about just that.
If you know someone who exemplifies being a good neighbor, volunteer or teacher—or someone who has simply helped the community in an inspiring way—please tell us about it in the comments section below. Your local editor will keep an eye on the conversation and will be writing articles about all of the amazing people and stories you share.
We welcome all great stories coming from great people in the community.
Robert Hayes
2:11 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
They don't like the spotlight, but I'd recommend a story on Mary Cain, Jack Campbell, Karen Campbell (manager), Jan Ellis, Carmel Sarich and Sharon Winn for their volunteer work at the Book Store Next Door. They make up the Book Store Next Door Committee and do all of the behind-the-scenes work (sorting donations, stocking shelves, etc.) when the store is closed.
I'd also recommend a story on Peggy Kane -- President of the Friends of the Wilmington Memorial Library -- and Eileen MacDougall - Chair of the Wilmington Memorial Library Board of Trustees. Both are past or present Library Trustee Chairs, Friends of the Library Presidents (not to mention various other positions on the Friends Executive Board), volunteers at the Book Store Next Door, and have always stepped up when volunteers were needed for library fundraisers or for the campaigns for a new library. Bottom line, they have been two of the biggest advocates and supporters of the Wilmington Memorial Library in the past 10+ years.
Lots of other deserving names as it relates to volunteers associated with the Wilmington Memorial Library (including 2012 Wilmington Good Guy Charlotte Stewart!), but I'd start with those listed above. Just one man's opinion -- speaking for myself and no on else!
Richard Jertz
3:07 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
Wilmington Little league especially Bob Gage, Tom Southmayd, Tom Sheehan, Brian Kane, and Bill Mills for all they have done through the years. Don't forget Kevin MacDonald for all of his years of putting the town ahead of his own personal agendas. Thank you to you all and all the other volunteers throuhout the town.
Linda
8:41 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
Two people that immediately come to mind are Jack Cushing & Bob DiPalma.
Denise Molloy
11:04 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I would recommend talking with The MOMS Club of Wilmington! These wonderful MOMS are involved in fundraising and activities to support our community .
Behind the scenes , The MOMS Club of Wilmington contributes yearly donations to various organizations in town.
Sandra Curtin
12:01 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012
Matt,
I would recommend Paul Cardello and the Ipods for Wounded Vets. Paul was a truck driver and a Veteran. He saw the need to bring an item to the wounded veterans in the VA Hospitals to remind them that they are not forgotten.
This volunteer and his helpers were so surprised how this project has grown. It has struck a note in many veterans hearts.
Paul's story is very touching and they have gone above and beyond the 'call of duty'. Also, taking many trips to Washington, D.C. to personally hand new, donated magazines and Ipods to the wounded men and women.
Sandra Curtin