Latest news with #BoltonFair
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Carole Whitehead: A lifetime in Bolton, a lifetime of giving back
This year's recipient of the Caledon's Community Champion Award is not only someone who has spent their whole life volunteering, but someone who has spent their whole life here in Bolton. Carole Whitehead is Caledon's 2025 Community Champion, and knows the Caledon community like the back of her hand. Whitehead came to Bolton when she was four-years-old, and although she had plans to move elsewhere, she never did end up leaving. Her volunteer life began when she was just 12, when she started helping at the United Church with Sunday School and the choir. Looking at Whitehead's long list of accomplishments, it would be safe to assume she never stopped volunteering after that. She shared her volunteer projects often led from one to another. Whitehead has been a Director for the Albion Bolton Historical Society for more than 25 years, but she initially had no intention of joining, she joked. It wasn't until she found herself cleaning out her parents' attic that her curiosity about Caledon's past was piqued. Her parents had settled in Bolton in 1941, and over the years, collected a multitude of things. 'They were both teachers and involved in the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, things like that. I just found so much that gave me a visual picture of life in Bolton the way it was, and that sparked an interest,' she shared. Following this, Whitehead got involved with the Bolton Fair, where she helped with the antique showings. She said that this is where her local knowledge began to expand significantly. 'Showing my Bolton things, and being there to hear other people talk about their Bolton things, it's always the stories that are involved; it isn't the object itself that's so important,' said Whitehead. Whitehead became an Associate Director of Antiques for the Albion Bolton Fair in 1995, and remains so to this day. She shared that, in her role as a Director for the Albion Bolton Historical Society, and as the oldest member on the Board raised in Bolton, she can often answer questions that no one else can. But she said it isn't so much the answering questions that makes her enjoy the role, but talking to people. 'I feel I can be useful. I meet people, and I learn things,' she said. With the Albion Bolton Historical Society, Whitehead spearheaded the Trillium Grant for the society to raise money for the display panels at the Humber River Heritage Park. The display is now a prominent historical feature in the town. Whitehead's volunteer past often aligns with history, as she was a part of the school reunion committee for her old school, The Albert Street School, here in Bolton. She said although it felt like herding cats at the beginning, they were able to hold many reunions in Bolton for 15 successful years. The school burned down in 1968, making it difficult to pass down the reunions to younger generations who had only briefly attended. She also currently volunteers at her church and joked that she has volunteered there 'forever.' Whitehead began volunteering there in 1960 and given her time as the church historian. She said she was glad she had volunteered at each place she had in the past, and that she got to meet a lot of people while doing so. Despite all her work for the community, Whitehead said she was 'absolutely stunned' and 'humbled' to learn that she had been named the 2025 Community Champion. 'There are so many people who do so much more than I do. I found out when somebody from the Town phoned me and said that this had happened. I don't think I believed it,' she remarked, laughing. Whitehead encourages the community to use their own time to volunteer. 'Come out to the historical site. Come out to the fair. Volunteer, use your time. Anything that interests you in Bolton, be a soccer coach. Volunteer for CCS. There are all sorts of opportunities,' she said. 'And you will meet people, you will learn things. It's good.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These Massachusetts agricultural fairgrounds awarded funding for infrastructure repairs
GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A total of $1,167,272 in state grants was awarded to 14 agricultural fairgrounds in Massachusetts to support infrastructure repairs, State Representative Natalie Blais announced. Rep. Blais of Deerfield, who covers 18 communities of the 1st Franklin District, said the agricultural fairs infrastructure grant program is intended to fund capital improvement projects to rehabilitate existing buildings and build new construction. Meeting to be held on new Springfield Regional Justice Center 'Steeped in history, our agricultural fairs are a tremendous asset to the Commonwealth, not only acting as an economic engine but also as a unique place for visitors to learn about the importance of our local food systems,' said Blais, who serves as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture. 'I am proud to have worked alongside the agricultural fairs in the 1st Franklin District and across the state to lay the groundwork for this monumental investment. This would not have been possible without their involvement and the broad support of legislators and stakeholders statewide.' Agricultural fairs offer education on the farming lifestyle as well as demonstrations and skills competitions. It is said that the first agricultural fair on record in the U.S. was held in Pittsfield in 1811. The following are the Agricultural Fairs Infrastructure grant recipients for 2025: Bolton Fair: $100,000 Association of North Chester, Chester Hill, and Littleville, Inc- Littleville Fair: $100,000 Essex Agricultural Society dba Topsfield Fair: $85,595.68 Franklin County Fair: $100,000 Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society- Three County Fair: $73,715 Heath Fair: $99,991.95 Highland Agricultural Society- Middlefield Fair: $23,995.01 Hillside Agricultural Society- Cummington Fair: $85,595.68 Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society- Marshfield Fair: $100,000 Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society- Martha's Vineyard Fair: $84,218 Middlesex County 4-H Fair: $50,000 The Westfield Fair Organization, Inc.- Westfield Fair: $100,000 Union Agricultural & Horticultural Society- Blandford Fair: $100,000 Williamsburg Grange Fair: $64,160.68 'Agricultural fairs are at the core of the communities they serve, bringing people together to enjoy and learn about agricultural traditions and practices and purchase locally produced food,' said Governor Maura Healey. 'Fairs have always been festive gathering spaces where attendees can learn more about our shared agricultural heritage while enjoying a fun atmosphere and where consumers can forge connections to the local food system by familiarizing themselves with how their local food is grown,' said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. 'Beyond the educational and entertaining factors that they bring, these events also boost economic activity which can trickle down to adjacent sectors increasing the overall economy in Massachusetts.' 'Agricultural fairs in Massachusetts are a cornerstone of our state's rich farming history and tradition,' said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. Funding was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). 'For hundreds of years, agricultural fairs have been a way for the public to understand the importance of farming and how a thriving agricultural sector benefits everyone,' said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. 'The Franklin County Agricultural Society is incredibly appreciative of Rep. Blais and her colleagues in the Legislature for their support of this infrastructure grant' said Michael Nelson, president of the Society. 'The Franklin County Fairgrounds has a deep history of providing agricultural events as far back as the 1850s. Through this funding we will continue to make crucial investments in our facility to ensure this historic and beloved gathering space continues to enrich our community for generations to come' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
