The adage “it takes a village” has been cited often for many worthy causes. Living in Lewes, I have come to know what that catchword “village” means by personal experience. It means working together to create a breathing, living community, supportive of each other through good and bad circumstances; it means being there when our neighbor or our friends need a hand – a quick trip to the hospital, transportation to the grocery store or delivering Meals on Wheels. It means being there for our fellow citizens in their time of need.
Here in Lewes, look at what sustained us during the last two down years during COVID: Beebe hospital, Lewes library, Lloyd’s, Rite Aid, Village Volunteers and Lewes governance. Mayor Ted Becker has served and continues to serve this town and our supportive organizations without ever trying to attract attention or credit for himself. Many years ago, when The Village Volunteers, formerly known as Greater Lewes Community Village, an organization of which I was a founding member, came into being with the mission of helping our aging friends and neighbors in Lewes and beyond remain in their homes, we were still in our infant years, desperately trying to attract membership and volunteers, trying to get our name and our cause better known in the community to enable us to further our mission. We were the newest kid on the block, in competition with many other very worthwhile organizations that had been serving Lewes for decades and had established membership rolls and years of recorded accomplishments. We needed a boost! When this was called to the attention of Ted, he and his partner proceeded to sign up, and he organized a large reception at The Inn. That event definitely gave us a boost and helped to move our organization and our mission forward. I invite everyone to take a close look at The Village Volunteers today and see how far it has come; look at the services and the service areas for which it now provides assistance. I consider my efforts and those of others in developing The Village Volunteers a most personally rewarding endeavor.
As I now age in place and have experienced navigating several serious medical difficulties, I have come to know ever so personally that neighbors helping – and neighbors caring – are what Lewes is all about. Ted exemplifies that creed and that personal ethic. My late husband Leslie and I have known Ted for more than 30 years; he is still the same caring and listening individual he was when he first ran for city council 18 years ago.
I am not disparaging any other candidates, who deserve commendation for putting themselves before the public for consideration.
However, I am voting for Ted Becker, who is the best candidate to protect the unique qualities that make our village so very special! He is the candidate who embodies the knowledge base and intuitive experience, and who has a proven record of successfully working with many disparate interests to develop the best results for Lewes.
I urge you to also cast your ballot for Ted Becker.
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