#LetterToTheEditor #YourVoice #SpotlightNews
Over the next few weeks, most of us in this little Town of Bethlehem will spend at least some time remembering and reflecting on the year gone by and the people with whom we shared it. As I look back on my own year, I am grateful to have spent some of that time with a colleague like Giles Wagoner.
For those of you that don’t have the pleasure of knowing Giles, he is the type of friend or neighbor we all hope for. For example, like many other farmers I know, he is generous in offering his assistance or sage advice and does so quietly and without fanfare. That’s Giles’ way. He is not much for showmanship; instead, he is more concerned with getting the job done.
The Irish in me also enjoys a sharp wit and good sense of humor and Giles has both aplenty. Trust me when I say that these attributes are greatly appreciated when a long or tense discussion finds itself in need of some comedic relief.
Perhaps what stands out most about Giles is his quiet, humble dedication and service to his family, community, and country. His recent term on the Town Board is only a small part of a long career spent serving others. Whether it be as an officer in the Air National Guard or as an active member of the Selkirk Fire Company, Giles has dedicated a great deal of his life to selfless and noble endeavors. Just how much time has Giles devoted to serving our community? It is hard to say exactly. However, to help put things into perspective, Giles first became an active member of Selkirk in 1970, which is exactly 13 years before I was born.
Giles departs the Town Board at the end of this month and he will be greatly missed. Giles and I typically agreed, sometimes didn’t, but were never worse for it. He served our town well on the Town Board and will undoubtedly continue to do so as a Selkirk firefighter and in various other capacities.
With my utmost respect, admiration, and gratitude, thank you for your service, Giles.
Jim Foster,
Delmar