To the Editor:
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Buckley and Reinhard children for their generous donation to the Grafton youth. Your presentation was something special to witness. It was symbolic of how children can bring a community together and restore faith in our future. My hope is these funds will aid Grafton youth to become positive role models and active participants in Grafton volunteer organizations.
In our fast paced world, it is very easy to overlook the benefits of community based volunteer services and the need to recruit new members. All too often our youth are dismissed as potential future members because they don’t fill an immediate need or the belief is their participation will be short-lived. I say, “What about our children’s needs?” And the need for them to experience first hand what it is like to become actively involved in their community or grow to appreciate those who serve in these organizations or decide on a career path. Our youth programs offer that fundamental opportunity and exposure. We may discover there is a budding librarian, historian, firefighter-paramedic or public servant living in Grafton after experiencing one of many volunteer organization programs.
It is reassuring to know the Grafton Fire Auxiliary will be sponsoring one of these programs on December 1, 2013. The description of the event at the November 18 Board meeting was enlightening. It represents a coming together of the community at large and an opportunity to reconcile our differences. There is no doubt the event will bring a smile to those who participate.
Barbara J. Messenger,
Grafton Town Board Member