Just a friendly reminder
I've decided I have a couple of things to say so I am going to take up this spot on the opinion page that I abandoned last summer.
It's about time for the annual Peabody Party and I have some definite ideas about what we should be doing to get ready for it. Things like cleaning the gutters in front of our homes, pulling weeds from the sidewalks in front of our businesses, or flying a flag without frayed ends. I think we usually do a pretty good job of getting all spruced up and presenting ourselves well to our guests. But it never hurts to be reminded.
Another thing each of us should do is volunteer. There are plenty of opportunities between now and July 5 to help out in some way. And guess what? I have some suggestions for you!
You might find out if you can help put up flags on Walnut Street now that the Kiwanis Club isn't going to be around to do it anymore.
The parade needs entries: floats, horses, old cars, bikes, clowns, a kazoo band, or whatever you can dream up. There will be cash prizes for the best entries, but even if there weren't you would have fun being a part of it. Help your grandchild decorate a bike or golf cart. Round up the extended family or Sunday school group and make a float.
Volunteers put together fireworks displays for the big extravaganza on the Fourth. They could probably use your help. Or they could use your cash donation to help pay for a set piece or some aerials. The fireworks show costs thousands of dollars every year. Send a donation today or call and offer to help. Or do both.
Sign up to work a shift at a gate. Buy an extra button for a child whose family may not be able to afford one. Buy your fireworks from the tent manned by Peabody Historical Society — buy a bunch! The money you spend with them will stay in Peabody and help support our museums.
There, I think I am finished. I didn't get too preachy, did I? I didn't say anything you didn't already know. You were just getting ready to write that check to the Fourth Celebration Society anyway, weren't you? Getting ready to pick up the phone and volunteer to work one of the gates? So I'll just shut up and let you get right at it. Enjoy!
— SUSAN MARSHALL
