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Heart Beat

photo provided Orwell school cafeteria: Community breakfast hosted by Independence Lodge #10.

photo provided (from L to R) Scott Barker, Neil Metcalf, George Supernault and Will Beckham.

Tuesday October 30, 2012

By Tom Pinsonneault

    Huey Lewis and the News will be quick to tell you where the heartbeat of Rock and Roll is located.  A doctor can tell you where the heartbeat of his patients is found. I maintain that the heartbeat of the community is in its organizations: the Masons, the Fortnightly, Knights of Columbus, Fire Departments and Rescue Squads, Boy Scouts and other volunteer organizations who work on behalf of the community and those who live in our towns, villages and cities.

   The change of seasons from Summer to Winter heralds a Vermont and New England staple: the Community Breakfast and Community Dinners. A seasonal popular event which draws people from outside as well as inside the community and those tourists who are seeking a homestyle meal with free seconds and endless coffee. All at a “Low, low price!”                                                   

   Orwell School Cafeteria: Community Breakfast hosted by Independence Lodge #10. Who are the beneficiaries of these events? Money raised is spent on the community in various ways. Once the hosting organization pays the “grocery” bill the money may be spent on: fuel assistance, sending a child to camp, scholarship moneys to aid in advancing education and in general our friends and neighbors in distress.

   There are no paid employees. All preparation, serving, washing, drying and cleanup is purely volunteer. Plus donations of butter, maple syrup, potatoes and other supplies transforms into more cash for community causes. Those who are unfamiliar with putting on an event like this would be surprised at its labor intensity. Bottom line: Everyone has a good time!

   The next time you see a Community Breakfast or Harvest Dinner sign on the village green of your community or placed in a high traffic area, take note, mark your calendar and bring a friend. Who knows? You may be the next beneficiary or you may recommend someone! Otherwise, enjoy!                                                                       

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