Thank you, thank you, Ben Clark. Even before learning about the depth of your community service, I applauded the Greenfield Recorder for naming you Citizen of the Year. Your interest in neighbors epitomizes why so many of us are drawn to Franklin County and beyond: There is always time for a hello no matter how busy the store. And your circle welcomes all ages, hues, and perspectives.

When our weather returns to some sense of normalcy and once again your peaches flourish, I will be bringing treats up to my children’s Soul Fire Farm. I appreciate your fruits’ flavor-rich bounty but I delight even more in sharing the wonders, the love, the hard work from one farmer to another.

Rev. Dr. Adele Smith-Penniman

Wendell