Hi, my name is Ted Vecchio and I, as well as many others, recognized the efforts of Mr. Raymond Andrews on a day in and day out basis, spreading kindness in a world that desperately needs it. He has received praise form countless members of the committee regularly and was awarded the town's Unsung Hero status for his efforts.

With the help of the Town of Cumberland, an ordinance has been passed (23-30A), that authorizes the creation of a memorial in honor of this great man. Please consider donating to this cause to memorialize him for those that did not get the honor of receiving his daily dose of kindness.

Every day we all have our jobs to do, whether it be heading to work, getting kids to school, zoom meetings, whatever. Get up, get going, get jobs done, repeat. Like many, I usually have too much on my plate. I take the drive in to work to kind of go over what I need to get done today. Sometimes I may be stressed, running late. Other times I’ve got stuff together and I’m early but I’m always trying to get a grasp on what needs to be done.

Every day though, rain or shine, the crossing guard at Garvin, Mr. Raymond Andrews, sets my mind at ease. He stands there at his post on Diamond Hill, ready to cross whoever needs to be crossed. But every single day, rain or shine, he waves to every car. No matter what mood I’m in, I instantly smile and feel like everything is going to be fine.

That simple wave reminds me that this town is a community. The people we rush by every morning are our neighbors and it’s important we stop and realize that. The members of this group are residents, business owners, teachers, elected officials and we all want one common goal, to make the town the best it can be. It starts with a simple wave, an acknowledgement that you exist and that you are being seen.

Thank you to this man, who stands there in the rain, no umbrella, waving to me today. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow and exchanging that simple, but so important, wave.