Featuring some very thoughtful volunteering

This photograph was captured in early fall of 2008 looking north where the Lower Channel meets the Little Lake

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TOWN OF WELLS’ SERVICE OFFICER

What’s been, is now official! Michelle Morey Bates-quietly creating her magic and helping others behind the scenes is appointed as the Town Service Officer. Anyone in need may call upon Michelle, aka “Our Town Angel,” for assistance: (802) 645-0934.

Serving her community has always been part of Michelle’s life, a practice that she began in her youth as a member of a Girl Scout Troup and volunteering on the playground.

A daughter of a single parent with three siblings, Michelle didn’t have much growing up, but she recalls, “We always had the necessities. Even though my Mom went through tough times, she always helped others. From those experiences, I came to believe the old adage, less is more.”

Aside from the example set by her Mom, Michelle believes her sensitivity to others grew from caring for loved ones in her life who were ill or dying. She says, "Everything teaches us something. I’ve made my share of mistakes, but during those times too, I learned that all of our actions, large or small, good or bad, affect others; and that being human is a big responsibility.”

Michelle assisted at the Wells Village Elementary School during her daughter's enrollment. She was a parent teacher, gave special assistance to a minority child, was an active member of the PTO, and will return to assist this year.

Over the years, her service extended throughout the Slate Valley, sprinkled around like good seasoning. During the winter months, Michelle volunteers her time to support those terminally ill, residing at the Haynes House of Hope in Granville, New York.

Currently serving over 100 local families, Michelle is the Director of the Neighborhood Pantry Express, sponsored by St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Michelle is

TOWN OF WELLS SERVICES

Wells Village School

Enhanced 9-1-1

Highway Department

Volunteer Fire Dep’t

Constables

Library

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VOLUNTEER SPIRIT
Service Officer

School Readers

Town Beautification

Individuals

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ORGANIZATIONS

US Post Office

Modern Woodmen

Churches

Lake St. Catherine

Haynes House

Pantry Xpress

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AREA BUSINESSES

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RECREATION
& FITNESS

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JUST MARRIED!

Michelle Morey Bates and new hubby, Tom, depart from
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in a hay wagon, off to their home, The Wellsmere Farm, for a massive celebration.

a Vestry member and Sr. Warden at St. Paul's and is active in all church outreach programs. Under her official designation as Town Service Officer she aids people with needs from clothing to housing, from electricity to heat, and more.

When Michelle is not serving her community or her church or her family, she manages the Wellsmere Farm Stand, part of which is packed to the brim with her love from the skills her mother taught her in the art of baking and canning and preserving. The other part of the Farm Stand is packed full of fresh vegetables cultivated by her long term partner and new hubby, Thomas Bates.

Michelle and Tom
We wish you both many blessings...

VOLUNTEER SCHOOL READERS, nurturing our most precious resource

evident as his former reading program students greet him with enormous smiles, “Hi there Mr. Bates!” What more need be said?

Karin Birbeck is a 2nd grade teacher and Bob’s wife. Karin has taught school for the last 20 years and is a firm believer in the benefits of the reading program. When she talks about the program and her “job,” her enthusiasm and smiles shout volumes. There’s no denying the love Karin has for her students. In fact, not a year goes by that she isn’t invited to one of her student’s weddings. “What a thrill to attend the most important event of their lives.” Karin is one of the founders of the ARTS Alliance in Poultney that annually sponsors the District Art Celebrations and she somehow finds time to volunteer her services in support of this organization as well as the reading program. In closing Karin added, “Oh, and by the way, we can always use more volunteers!” Both Karin and Bob also volunteer at the Neighborhood Pantry Express.

Kay McNeil, pictured below has served as a volunteer school reader for a number of years. As a mother of four sons, and having to suddenly take over their family business following her husband’s death, Kay knows first-hand how meaningful support from others can be. “I love children and they give me a whole lot more than what I give them as a reader. It’s a joy to participate in this program,” she said. Grandchildren, filling her home almost all summer long, are exemplary of Kay’s love for and patience with kids. She also is a frequent volunteer for the Neighborhood Pantry Express.

Left to right: Bob Birbeck, Lynne Sanders
Harold Bates and Karin Birbeck

Years ago, Karen Shirley Thieser started “the reading program” in Wells, whereby volunteering adults listen to students read aloud. Currently, the same spirit of loving kindness remains in full force as it was when the reading program began, giving students this special on-on-one attention with a caring adult.

Bob Birbeck, a local artist and internationally known sculptor, has consistently participated in the program for years. “These youngsters give us far more than we give them,” Bob said. “It’s a privilege to participate in a program such as this. Bob spent five years working with one student and he fondly recalls taking him to the movies, to MacDonald’s and shopping at local stores. Bob commented, “These children are great gifts. After spending all day working alone in my studio, each child is a wonderful bridge back to reality, a breath of fresh air.”

Lynne Sanders formerly taught health and physical education. She has two grandchildren in the Wells Village School. Called “OMA” by many, Lynne treasures children. “Working with each child is a different process depending on their individual needs,” she said. “Reading opens the world for them and helps build self-esteem. Kids are so excited to have an adult listen to them read, but, in truth, I think I get more out of it than they do.”

Harold Bates, born in 1927 and often called the “Mayor of Wells,” had vigorously supported the reading program for decades Asked why, he bellows with great enthusiasm, “Kids! Can’t keep away from ‘em!” The fruits of his labor of love are

Patty, we thank you and the Beautification Crew for enhancing our Lovely Town

Patty Stein and her husband, formerly of Plant City, Florida, have recently built a home in Wells. Appreciating the town as a former vacationer, Patty wasted no time channeling her energy into spearheading and inspiring a community effort to complement the beauty of Wells; an effort which evolved from her participation in a local book club. There were several people interested in her ideas to decorate the town buildings for the seasons to include the Town Hall, the Cemetery and Library entrances; flags on light poles in the center of town from Memorial Day to Veterans Day, and flowers in front of the War Memorial. With growing interest, momentum gave birth to the festive event, “Christmas Lights of Wells,” where young and old alike celebrate the holiday season and the lighting of the Town Tree. When asked what else she and the group had in mind, Patty said, “In time, I’d love for us to consider more community events such as a movie night, an ice cream social, and a butterfly garden by the library.” If interested in helping out, please call (802) 325-2718 or email Patty at jpstein009@msn.com

EXCERPTS FROM THE ‘09 TOWN REPORT TRIBUTE TO PAUL WOODRUFF, SR

We are pleased and honored to celebrate Paul H. Woodruff Sr. for all the work he has done and continues to do for Wells.

Paul was born in Pawlet, Vermont, on November 15, 1927. One year after graduating from high school in Granville, New York Paul enlisted in the Army–Air Corps where he served as a Crash Fire Fighter before returning home. In 1951 he married Geraldine Smith. They have three children, nine grandchildren and three great grand children. For 15 years Paul worked at the Mettowee Garage in Granville, then went to work for Race Oil Company for 25 years, until his retirement.

Paul served 13 years as a Selectman, beginning in 1976. two years as Lister, a Justice of the Peace for 30+ years and as a member of the Board of Civil Authority. Paul also served as an Elections Officer and on the Town Office Building Committee. Paul is a 30 year charter member of the Wells Volunteer Fire Department and a charter member of the Wells Historical Society. He is a Trustee of the Modern Woodmen, and was awarded The Man of the Year by the Modern Woodmen two years ago. Paul believes, “The most significant thing that has happened in Wells is the building of the new Town Office,” in which he played an important role. Thank you, Paul!

HOORAY FOR THESE GALS SERVING THE TOWN OF WELLS in Oh, so many ways!

Ellen Malona, a resident for 14 years, has thoughtfully provided many “green” services to the Town. After the Town Hall was completed, Ellen and her partner Rich Strange, designed the landscape plan and installed the plantings around the premises. In addition, Ellen and

Since moving here 10 years ago, Stephanie Andrew Smith has volunteered her services to the Town of Wells. With interests springing from her medical background, she is the Enhanced 911 Coordinator, the Town Health Officer, and has served on the Emergency

Rich have spearheaded and coordinated Green Up Day, serving refreshments, distributing bags and tracking the clean-up. Ellen recently delivered a Buffer Planting presentation for the Lake St. Catherine Association public workshop and put in a week of editing on this last year’s Town Report.

Management Team for several years. One gifted gal, Stephanie also served on the Town Building Committee contributing crucial attention to details as the Secretary for two years. And more, she has coordinated the collection of information for two Town Reports and typeset the document as well.

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