To the editor:
Imagine the delight of this 80-year-old lady (with a bad shoulder) this past weekend as I experienced the prodigious and enthusiastic efforts of several Lincoln County (and some Sagadahoc) kids, with their adult overseers, as they swooped in to rake my yard.
Under the energetic direction and coordination of “community booster” and all ’round good fellow Joe Holland, they immediately got to work and, within an hour, had accomplished raking an unruly yard area, a job that usually takes me days!
There were approximately 20-25 people; teens, preteens, and adults. Many, under youth leaders Ann and husband Jeff Waldrop, were from The Church of Latter-day Saints in Damariscotta, some coming from as far away as Topsham and Bath. Others were from Jefferson, including Joe’s employees at The Jefferson Scoop. The poor dears had to fight with some rambunctious black flies, but managed to hang in anyway.
I am told by Joe that there were two work crews that day, around 40 people in all, who were of service to 50 folks who needed their brand of support!
Joe had first organized this event last year. Sponsored by The Scoop, this event is planned to continue on an annual basis. Joe plans to likewise coordinate an annual litter cleanup day started earlier this year.
It made my day (and likely the whole week/month/year!) just seeing this cheerful and capable crew wanting to be of service to others instead of otherwise having fun in the sun on the nicest day we’ve had for two months.
It is my hope, if they see this, that they will know how appreciative I am still feeling, as I expect the other beneficiaries are as well, and will continue to feel, not just for the raking and heavy lifting, but more so for the opportunity to experience major good-natured, caring, and vigorous attention being given to the community at large.
I told them it felt as though they were sent from heaven. And I think they were! I know I felt blessed by their presence on a lovely, sunny Saturday in Jefferson!
Thank you Joe, Ann, Jeff, et al!
Trudi Hodgkins, Happy Helpee
Jefferson
