“To be good, and to do good. That is all we have to do” – John Adams
“Marshfield is, and remains to me, the center of the universe” – BMC
I grew up in Marshfield, and never really understood or appreciated the town until I went off to college, held different jobs in various locations, worked on presidential, senate, and gubernatorial campaigns, and saw other parts of the world.
With the passage of time and as a result, maturity, I would often reflect on fond memories of Marshfield from my formative years while I was away. Going to Dairy Queen after an “under the lights” baseball game at the Marshfield Recreation Center (now, affectionately called Fahey Field) hiking Webster’s Wilderness and learning about Eastern Box Turtles with my father, biking with friends to the “Genny” and buying penny candy, fishing off of the Burke’s Beach jetty, and summers attending Swish Basketball Camp with my brother.
When my brother and I were young, my mother and father always stressed how lucky we were to have the Daniel Webster Wildlife Preserve in our backyard, as well as numerous trail systems only a few feet away from our front door. As I got older, I became humbled by a five minute bike ride to the ocean, and having the site of the Pilgrim’s (The Winslow’s) stroll from my neighborhood. Years later, I now, finally understand what they meant.
Over the years, I have found that the reason why Marshfield is so special, not only for the natural resources and open space, but the dedicated, resilient residents that make up this unique community. From the engaged volunteers and those active on committees, patient teachers (Patrick Sullivan and Brandon Frost (who gave me both a love of the English language and “The Boss”), dedicated coaches (so dedicated in development that my former neighbor is now the long snapper in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), residents, and the small business owners.
Because of these people, a few years ago, I made it my duty to give back as much as I could to the town that has given so much to me. As a result, I joined the Marshfield Historical Commission, Recreation Trails Committee, and founded Foodies South Shore, a company to expose and highlight local artisans, coffee shops, and restaurants. Over the years, I have come to realize that the most rewarding experiences, other than the work, has been given the opportunity to meet so many interesting people that care so deeply about our community. Two specific individuals who have given so much to the town, Otis Carney and Ned Bangs, have taught me so much about the value of community, power of volunteerism, and importance of civic engagement. These are people who, out of the goodness of their hearts and character, want to make their community a better place for themselves and future generations.
I count my lucky stars each and every day that I not only was fortunate enough to grow up here, but am also fortunate enough to raise my family here, and continue to stress the importance and celebration of Marshfield’s history, preservation, and civic engagement.
This Thanksgiving I am thankful for all of you – the residents, teachers, coaches, small business owners, and volunteers.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoy precious time with your family and friends – as we’ve learned from those caretakers of the town before us, time waits for no one, so as John Adams opined waste no time to “do good.”
