To the Editor:

I have said many times that I love living in a small town; yesterday, something happened that perfectly illustrates why I do.  

For many, many years my family and I have processed and frozen enough peaches to enjoy in the winter. I always get my fruit at Tallent’s Produce, so have become good friends with Bruce and Steve. We have shared tears over deaths and laughs, over many things.  

Yesterday, I went by to get my peaches. Since I am almost 85 years old, I don’t pick up big baskets like I used to, so asked if they would hold them for me until the next day, when I would have family available. Without hesitation, Steve said, “I’ll give you 15 minutes, and then will be right behind you!” Even though their stand was still open, he followed me home, put the peaches on the porch, and then returned to their business! Where, but in a small town, would that happen?

I decided to list just some of the ways that I, personally, benefit from the small-town atmosphere; the list is long. I have always had the newspaper delivered to my home; the box was near the road, a fair walk for me. After I became less active, I came home one day and found that the carrier had moved the box closer; later he moved it even closer. We lease our farm to Nelson Thibault — who now brings the paper to my back door!

When my husband died, after 62 years of marriage, I closed my kitchen and do very little cooking. My family and I eat out daily. We have several favorite places; when we miss a few times, the staff always greets me with ….. “Are you OK? We were worried about you!” I use a cane, which I am prone to forget and someone always brings it to me. At the grocery store, the cashier came out from the counter to give a hug and  “I’ve missed you!” When I got home, Nelson stopped what he was doing, and carried my groceries in. Small town, for sure!I decided to read just one issue of the newspaper to see what evidence of small town volunteerism I could find that benefit the whole community. The list is really long: 

• Charity Car Show to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation — Many volunteers to make it happen.

• Public Safety Day — Kids can meet fire fighters, law enforcement and emergency personnel. A few of these folks are paid, but most are volunteers.

• 4-H Clubs all need volunteer leaders.

• “Back to school” really brings out the volunteers — We all know how important volunteers are to the school system.

• Youth sports — There is no way to count the volunteers it takes to make these programs work.

• Mountain Youth Talent contest

• Shriners’ Horse Show benefits Shriners’ Children Hospitals.

• Zonta Club holds “Boots and Bling” to benefit REACH

• Franklin Federated Women’s Club.

• Almost every week, there is a notice of a benefit for someone who has had a fire or medical problem that is very expensive.

This is a very incomplete list and does not include the dozens of churches and all their contributing organizations.  I really feel sorry for folks who don’t live in a small town.

Margaret Ramsey

Franklin