Reaching out to our neighbors
To the Editor:
The spirit of neighbor helping neighbor is alive and thriving in the five towns served by River's Reach. Here’s a resounding thank you to our area selectboards and residents for the support you’ve given.
Again this year, at town meetings in all five towns—Haverhill, Ryegate, Groton,
Topsham, and Newbury—voters extended a hand to fellow citizens who might need one by supporting River’s Reach Resource Center.
River’s Reach, based in Wells River, has been quietly providing free programs to our communities for 12 years now. Whether it’s preparing income taxes, distributing state surplus computers, coordinating Jobs for Kids, finding transportation solutions, helping organize events like Family Night Out and the high school health fairs, serving as local contact for numerous agencies (Adult Basic Education, Department of Employment and Training, Economic Services, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, Vocational Rehabilitation, WIC, the Area Agency for Aging and others), or simply assisting people in finding appropriate help, River’s Reach has been putting neighborliness into action.
River’s Reach works through the tireless efforts of many volunteers and one part-time paid staff person. Its frugal budget is funded not from federal or state sources, but rather through a few grants plus the generosity of local individuals and businesses and the towns it serves. The result is that each year, hundreds of local people receive the direct help or information they need without having to travel to far-off state offices.
The consistent support of our towns is one reason why River’s Reach is so effective. River’s Reach is one reason the quality of life in our towns is so high.
River’s Reach Advisory Board
Mary Grant
Groton, VT
Rick Hausman
Newbury, VT
Regina Hazel
Ryegate, VT
Gertrude Hodge
Topsham, VT
Dianne Rappa
Bath, NH
Richard Roderick
Wells River, VT
Claude Phipps
Newbury, VT
Connie Philleo, Director
Newbury, VT

Hang out at the Harvest
To the Editor:
Please come to the First Annual Bradford Harvest Festival from 1 to 7 p.m. this Saturday. It is happening behind Merchants Bank in the soon to be paved parking area.
There will be free sampling of delicious food prepared by local restaurants, music from three bands selected by Middle Earth Music Hall and a Chili Contest. There will also be numerous artisans and crafters present. It should be a great time. There will be two large tents, one for the music and one for the food so come rain or shine.
And between 10 a.m. and noon, there will be bike and walking tours being given by Susie Tann and friends up at the Gazebo (Denny Park).
If you have any questions or are still undecided about entering the chili contest or having a “vendor’s tent,” please call (802)222-5432 or email bradfordharvestfestival@charter.net .
Marcey Carver
Downtown Bradford Partnership
Bradford, VT