Last year I bought my daughter several Russian sage plants. My mother and I both had planted it in our flower beds to attract pollinators. The plants have turned into huge bushes that call out to the bees.
My two-year-old granddaughter Kate looks out the window with me to watch the bees flying from one plant to the other in perfect precision. They are working together. Their legs are dusted with golden pollen and occasionally, after I have been transported to the world of bees, I am shaken back to reality by the voice of Kate, “Bugs, Bookie.”
A community needs a network of friends working together for a common cause or mission. A group might believe in the preservation of historic buildings still active with businesses and standing in Winchester. There are individuals who support the animal shelter and the amazing work that they do to control the animal population and animal mistreatment. Some people are devoted to the Leeds Theatre and the work they do to provide entertainment for our community as well as a creative outlet for a number of young people in Winchester and surrounding counties.
As a former librarian, I am concerned with the continuation of programs at our public library for adults and youth alike. Like any well-oiled machine, there is always room for a group of individuals to help facilitate growth, programs, and literacy. This past year, over 4,000 members signed up for the summer reading program. That is exceptional. It is also a reflection that people depend on and utilize our local library.
On Thursday, August 17th, at 6:30 p.m., an organizational meeting for the Friends of the Library will take place. While the group was once active, it was disbanded in or around 2014.
Like the bees that gather pollen, we have to work together to help keep the minds of our community open. Please make it a priority to all the importance of the written word to educate our community so it will continue to grow and flourish.
