Cameron Bain Entitled to Taxpayer Recognition in Thankfulness

In my long decades of living in my Boyhood town of Stoneham, Massachusetts I have seen and when I was a Selectmen indeed participated , many Plaques being heartfully Devoted to some of our fine heroic and legendary citizens and our truly Beloved Citizen Mr. Cameron Bain should be no exception.

As I scan my mind I see one attached to a Pillar of Recreation Park recognizing Mr . Nicholas Apalakis ; at the Stoneham Arena of Mr. Howard 'Doc'Gordon who was a Legendary teacher and Coach of Athletics at Stoneham High School, at the Stoneham Police Station where the beloved last name of Rolli which soul of many including our wonderful retired Chief Joseph Rolli belongs; at the Stoneham Public Library where a Committee of heartfelt citizens are recognized for their untiring work.

And now , it is sad to hear that now that the time has come where our hearts should be absolutely Joyful to recognize the below described Patriot of a man whom we should probably have a large statue on the Front Lawn of Town Hall never mind a Plaque which he is entitled ; we hear out of the mouth of our Chairman of the Board of Selectmen 'The People who want the Bike Path should raise the estimated $ 8,000" . !!

As I study the fact that we now have a Town Budget of over $ 75 Million Dollars and we are paying the Tuition Amount of over $ 58,000 for only 7 Children to 'Leave' our Community each day which is about the same $ 8,000 ; isn't it right we spend that same amount for a man and his wife who 'Stayed In' our town and worked tirelessly for us over these long years ? I believe so , don't you ?

This should be a Joyous Hallelujah moment in our time for recognition of such men and 'Passing the Hat' for a few negates all the embrace in our Town of this man who also wore the Uniform of our Country and privately aided many Veterans in their administrative needs for Free.

May 19 marks the Anniversary each year of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. In our Town we enjoy our own wonderful and well run organization. It is here all because of one caring man who many years ago as a young man had a dream of starting a Boys Club in his community for our children.

That Man was Mr. Cameron Bain who, with his beautiful family still lives in Stoneham. One day it all began when he walked out the door of his home using his car, his feet, trains, buses, and talking with banks, town and state governments, and investors all on his own time and I'm sure getting discouraged from time to time. But this man went on , not to be denied. Character, Courage, and Commitment as he possesses is often futile to combat as we visualize in all great champions of any endeavor. He dreamed and he built and it is now a very positive and useful experience for our young and the participation of adults as well.

You may also know of Mr. Bain's dream of having a Bikeway and Greenway in Stoneham along the old Railway here in town. Once again, obstacle after obstacle; fight after fight ; even with his own government in battles he should never have had to fight. And now , gladly it is finally under Construction.

Once again however; all the forces against him learned no person can be defeated when God is on your side with a man of Goodness, and well meaning intent for his selfless commitment to his community and its people for a better place to live.

Mr. Bain, I've known you since we were very young. I respected you then, and I've been in awe of your character. You may feel secure in knowing that today, this whole community says 'Thank You' sir for living your life as a True American and a Hero and Legend in the Town of Stoneham which you have lived for and loved all of your life. And, we love you and your precious wife and family right back. May God Bless you in health and happiness in your days ahead and I can't wait until I see you take the 'First' Bicycle Ride on 'Your' Bike Path. I'll probably break out in tears knowing what is in that fabulous Heart. Be Well my Friend.