Volunteers Do It With Pride

A big table in the Town House was set with hors d'oeuvres and punch on Wednesday night as a volunteer reception got underway.

For years, the town has invited its scores of volunteers to be honored.

"The town just wouldn't be the same without them," said Ned Perry, former moderator.

"They are the lifeblood of our community," said Selectman Greg Howes on the role of the unpaid men and women that sit on countless committees and boards for the love of the town.

"We wouldn't function without them," said Howes.

"It is one of the special points about town life that we have so much input," said Perry. "I hope more people will become involved."

Businessman Wayne Busa has sat on the Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee for five years, and has chaired it for the last two.

"It's excellent," said Busa. "I get satisfaction out of helping. I am giving rather than taking. I am a local businessman, so this is my way to give back."

Gordon Fraser is a member of the Hugh Cargill Trust Committee. He feels good that he is helping those less fortunate that live in Concord. The trust donates money to needy families.

"People are hurting," said Fraser.

Chatting with Fraser, Don Bracco said he is a volunteer on the Local Option Income Tax Committee. It is a topic that he's been interested in for many years, he said.

"I've had a personal interest in it for eight or nine years; and the last year and a half on the committee," said Bracco.

He said the next task is to engage other towns in Massachusetts that also want to be able to reduce property taxes by increasing the income tax, with exceptions. The local option must be passed by the state legislature to become a legal vehicle for raising revenue.

"This is not unique to Concord, or even Massachusetts," said Bracco. "Eighteen states and other towns in Massachusetts have local income tax options.

John Lang was representative from Concord to the Minuteman Career and Technical High School for six years. He praised the new superintendent of the 16-town district, and the efforts he has made to increase enrollment from Concord and the other towns in the district.

"He is a breath of fresh air," said Lang of Ed Bouquillon. "In two and a half years, the enrollment has increased within the district."

Lang said Minuteman School Committee members fan out to talk to eighth-graders about attending the public vocational high school.

"We've had a very significant increase in district applications," said Lang. "There is a lot more interest."