Normally, the announcement of the Westport Y’s annual meeting wouldn’t rate a mention in “06880” — or anywhere else, outside the Y’s own bulletin board.
But tomorrow’s 87th annual meeting (Monday, June 20, 5:30 p.m., the Edward T. Bedford Room) rises above the level of ho-hummery.
In addition to the usual stuff — recognizing annual award recipients, voting on a new slate, saluting the 2-term accomplishments of Iain Bruce (president, board of directors) and Pete Wolgast (chairman, board of trustees) — the Y will recognize 3 longtime volunteers as trustee emeriti.
Bill Gault
Their names are Bill Gault, Bill Mitchell and Allen Raymond.
Their faces and accomplishments are known to all.
The Gaults have been in town since the mid-18th century.
The Raymonds first summered here in the early 1900s.
The Mitchells are mere newcomers. Their store opened “only” in 1958.
Allen Raymond
All 3 — and their families — have been involved with the Westport Y ever since they themselves were members.
And all 3 give generously of their time, talent (and money) to countless causes besides the Y.
Tomorrow’s honor is richly deserved.
Knowing all 3 men, I can predict what will happen tomorrow: They’ll deflect any praise. They’ll thank instead the organization that is honoring them.
And they’ll say they only wish they could do more.
Bill Mitchell
Sorry I do not know Bill Gault, but Billy Mitchell and Allen Raymond (good friend of my father’s way back when in the Baldwin years) are true gentlemen and indicative of the compassionate-committed nature of Westport.
This is going back a couple decades but even then my grandfather out from the city talked about what a good man the Mitchell’s were. In my grandparents vernacular a good man was one that is just completely, totally pleasant, considerate and decent. Congratulations to all 3.
Congrats to all 5 mentioned. One would hope / think their combined talents over some 14 years could have persuaded the Westport Town Democrat Selectmen to keep the Y downtown. Perhaps a FUND THE DOWNTOWN Y account would let donors vote.