Turley Publications photos by Jonathan Cook

isa Marie Berthel, hands in the air, is one resident interested in helping keep the band in bandstand next year. Her family and friends surround her here at last Wednesday’s final concert.

Friends of the Bandstand Committee members resign

 

Meeting to form new Bandstand Committee TBA

By Jonathan Cook

Turley Publication Reporter

WEST BROOKFIELD – As of last Wednesday night, the Helen Shackley Memorial Bandstand has no Friends.

The 14 member Friends of the Bandstand committee has resigned in unison. They’ve had a long reign, but they’d like someone else to step in and carry on with the 38 years of summer concerts on the Common series.

Sue LaBarge, who began her role organizing the concerts 24 years ago, said the committee wasn’t even sure this last concert would happen, after having been rained out once already.

But the rain held out and concert committee member Tammy Tuttle, who is LaBarge’s daughter, took the opportunity to publicly acknowledge her mother’s years of dedication.

Tuttle stepped to the microphone and thanked her mom for providing “a reason for the community to come together, and for old and young alike to play and dance in the street. You made it happen for 24 years.”

LaBarge, who works as a Community Relations Specialist for Country Bank, said her professional life keeps her very busy and “I just don’t have time anymore.”

But why did the other 13 members decide to follow suit and completely vacate the committee?

Tuttle explained, “We just thought it would be more successful to have a whole new group come in and start fresh. We have all been so close; we thought we might as well all go out together.”

LaBarge added that a fresh perspective might benefit the future of the concerts.

But who will step in to save the event? LaBarge answers this way. “Every week I look out there, I see all those families and kids and I say, oh my God. These are the perfect people.”

She added, “We do have eight people who have come forward and let us know they are interested.” She said a meeting will be announced to explain the responsibilities of the committee. “Hope they all come to the meeting,” she said.

The duties are straightforward, she noted, basically booking bands and fundraising. Sending letters for sponsorship, and community donations, has always helped with expenses. “Residents have always contributed,” she said.

What’s more, LaBarge pointed out, the Helen Paige Shackley Fund is there to fill a gap when needed.

Members have to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen, as well. The Concerts on the Common have been happening since 1972. In the audience, resident David Dodson noted the long tenure of the family event.

When asked if he would volunteer, he said “I’ve been thinking about it. If it means the difference between concerts and no concerts,” he added.

Lisa Marie Berthel said she has already put her name in and is excited about the opportunity. She said she’d like to see more variety in the musical choices. She noted that she did a stint at the Tiperrary Pub in Worcester and was already in contact with many area bands. She named the Irish music group Plainfolk, for example, as a good fit and a change of pace.

Those interested should know that it is an unpaid volunteer position. But as LaBarge said, “The sights and sounds of these concerts is our reward.”