A wise woman once said, “The best response to the long list of social ills is to put into effect the Noah principle. That is, stop looking for credit for predicting the rain, its time to start building an ark.”
I guess you could say, I've observed the Noah Principle in my town of Medway. I’m involved with a committee that has been formed to advise the selectmen about what to do with a particular property in Medway – The Thayer Homestead. The Thayer Homestead is a town owned property that has historic significance. The homestead and barn is still on the property and we, the Thayer Homestead Development Committee (THDC) have recommended a use for the property that will benefit the town and its residents. To learn more about that project, check out my Youtube video when I first started on this committee well over a year ago. Youtube video on the Thayer Homestead. I will be blogging about that project in the coming weeks - so keep an eye out for more info.
What struck me yesterday though was how lucky Medway is to have the type of people who dedicate a portion of their lives to the community. I happened to be at a selectman meeting which is held bi-weekly I believe. I was there because the Thayer Homestead was on the agenda. I was quite surprised when I asked if the selectmen are compensated for their time. The answer is no – What about the Conservation Commission – NO – Well what about the planning board or the financial review committee – Still NO - Some of these committees meet on a monthly or even weekly basis – They sit in meetings for hours on end – they donate their time, their expertise and their passion for the town they live in. It's impressive.
It’s been a little less than 2 years that I’ve volunteered for our town. I have to say I’m amazed at the thousands of hours people in our community donate. It’s a small group of people who tend to volunteer on multiple committees. You hear the same names over and over. What drives these people to give so much? I don’t have the answer. I do have to say it’s rewarding – tremendously rewarding – when you can achieve success for a particular project in town. Some have been in town for generations. Others are new to town. I sit on a committee with a scientist, a teacher, a landscape designer, an attorney, a retired business executive – all donating their time – Some involved with town government for decades. It just amazes me.
For anyone who is dissatisfied with town government – they should try to get involved –just to get a sense of what is happening in their town. They may be left with a sense of awe as I have been – with the enormous efforts of their neighbors to improve the town they live in. Thank you to all who give year in and year out. It’s pretty awesome to see such dedication. I feel so lucky to be a small part of it !
Medway residents - these are OPEN - PUBLIC meetings - they're posted on the Town of Medway Site. Feel free to come and visit ANY of these meetings to get a feel for how your government is run. Or call me, I'd love to bring you to one or both of the two committees I am a member of. 508 446 5094. There are open positions in my of these committees. I'd be happy to take your call.
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