I witnessed the best face of Falmouth at the Harvest Supper last Thursday, at the Falmouth Congregational Church, to benefit Falmouth’s Food Pantry. Attendance and donations and commitments made should exceed, appropriately, prior years.

The turnout was heartwarming, showing how Falmouth residents will work to help solve civic or societal problems. And it was by choice, not by mandate. It was voluntary. And I hope it was “instant gratification” for organizers who proved that old-fashioned, traditional ideas trump opaque and permanent federal government programs, which often do more harm than good.

The Harvest Supper process can be instructional. First, the facts were clear, not manipulated: the economy (locally, nationally and internationally) has left increasing numbers of Americans unable to provide food for themselves and families. Second, volunteers decided to tackle the problem. They kept plugging to help solve a defined problem. They said roll up your sleeves and help however you can, don’t look for a government bailout. It worked. That Harvest Supper was a civics lesson.

I won’t name any coordinators or organizers, except Nancy Lightbody. She constantly e-mailed folks of the need, though I don’t know her official capacity.

Helpers included Food Pantry staffers, staffers’ spouses, Boy Scouts, high school Key Club members, members of local churches and temples, and your neighbors. Norman Rockwell smiled. That’s right, old-fashioned help by those who can help those in need, and the results are clear. Three cheers for Falmouth.

Bill Gardiner
Falmouth

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