Holiday banners are coming
By MARY AVERY
President, Peabody Main Street Association
Here it is, the end of summer and the early stages of fall. This is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a season of firsts: the first day of a new school year, the first football game of the season, the first tailgate party, the first hint of fall color. I always keep watch over the maple tree in front of the Morgan House for the first change of color — beautiful! It's then that I know that fall has officially arrived and we can begin to make holiday plans.
This fall we're looking forward to a first-ever first — the first Peabody holiday banners. Last fall we set a goal of having decorative banners on our downtown light poles for the 2007 holiday season, and thanks to the hard work of a team of committed volunteers and the generous support of the citizens of Peabody, we have succeeded in the effort.
We kicked off our fund-raising efforts with the well-received silent auction of Christmas wreaths during last year's Western Wonderland celebration.
The Main Street's organization committee contributed additional funds from last spring's Peabody Memorabilia auction. During the spring and early summer, three members of the community designed, constructed, and donated a log cabin quilt for a drawing in support of the banner fund. Competition was brisk and spirited and had it not poured down rain on our annual Fourth of July Celebration, we would have amassed the last of the funds necessary to purchase the banners by the time the last ember fell from the sky.
The Jack Walker family saved the day, though, designating his memorial funds to the banner project and putting us over the top. What a wonderful way to honor Jack's many years on Main Street and as dedicated community volunteer!
Raising the money for the banners was truly a group effort. Margaret Meade once said, "Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
We can make a difference in our world. We've demonstrated that with the banner project. Won't you think about joining in our efforts? Won't you volunteer for one of our many committees and help make a difference in Peabody? Be the first in your family, or on your block to volunteer for Peabody Main Street Association.
