Grigg Is No Stranger to Public Service
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Free by request to residents of East Brookfield, West Brookfield, North Brookfield, Brookfield, Leicester and Spencer SEND YOUR NEWS AND PICS TO [email protected] Friday, April 23, 2021 Grigg is no stranger to public service BY KEVIN FLANDERS establishing connections with local STAFF WRITER leaders, business owners, and resi- SPENCER – Select Board candidate dents. Jared Grigg may be new to town, but “I have tried to make sure everyone he is no stranger to service knows I am new to this com- and leadership. munity, as it is not some- Grigg moved to town last thing I want to hide. I have June with his girlfriend, been working extremely Alyssa. In addition to his hard to study and under- decade of employment as stand the decisions that an EMT/firefighter, he has have been made through- Photo Courtesy also served in the Army out the town’s committees, State Representatives Donnie Berthiaume, right, and Peter Durant recently stopped National Guard as a mil- boards, and departments,” by Knox Trail Middle School to celebrate this year’s Project 351 ambassadors. itary police officer for 13 Grigg told the New Leader. years, completing two tours “I’ve met with most depart- in the Middle East. ment heads already, as well Grigg’s military service as most businesses in the and his career as a first downtown area. I want to responder combined to pro- Photo Courtesy talk to everyone as much State legislators visit vide him with extensive Jared Grigg is run- as I can to get a fuller, leadership skills. If elected, ning for a seat on the more complete picture of he looks forward to using Spencer Select Board. Spencer.” that experience to Spencer’s Grigg recently earned a Knox Trail’s Project benefit. degree in business manage- “The Army has taught me how to ment, with a concentration in entrepre- balance mission accomplishment with neurship. Throughout his campaign, soldier care, prioritizing the overall he has been impressed with the leader- 351 ambassadors wellbeing of everyone involved,” Grigg ship shown by Spencer’s officials and said. “This translates to the duties of business owners during the pandemic. selectman, as the overall wellbeing of Looking ahead to the May 11 election, SPENCER – Knox Trail Middle School’s Project 351 ambassadors recently the town and the Spencer community Grigg hopes to have the opportunity to received a few special visitors to celebrate their accomplishments. is prioritized while balanced with the assist residents and business owners KTMS eighth graders Adison Daoust and Alivia Sauvageau were selected individual needs of the town’s resi- as an elected official. as the school’s Project 351 representatives. Each year, the statewide pro- dents. The Army has also taught me “I will always have a focus on listen- gram features one eighth grader from each of the 351 communities in the leadership experience and how to col- ing to the citizens of Spencer because, Commonwealth. laborate with different groups to come ultimately, that is my job as selectman. Earlier this month, Daoust and Sauvageau received visits from State together for a functional and analytical I cannot say I will always agree, but I Representatives Donnie Berthiaume and Peter Durant. The students were solution.” will always listen. I want to bring in presented proclamations celebrating their achievements. Before launching his campaign for new ideas while respecting the town’s Project 351 is a yearlong program of service learning, leadership develop- selectman, Grigg put in significant history,” Grigg added. ment, and civic engagement. The program typically involves students taking research on town departments and Many residents have been curious part in a day of community service projects in Boston. committees. He was committed to gain- to learn what inspired Grigg to run This year’s Project 351 schedule had to be altered due to COVID-19 regu- ing a detailed understanding of how for the Select Board as a new member lations, but youth ambassadors still enjoyed plenty of virtual learning and the town operates prior to announcing of the community. Having served his service opportunities. They will also be able to return as mentors next year. his bid. “Educators select ambassadors who have demonstrated an exemplary ethic Turn To GRIGG, page A2 Grigg also spent several months of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude,” read a statement released by KTMS. “We place a special premium on unsung heroes and quiet leaders, and the rich diversity of our Commonwealth.” To learn more about the program and how local students are getting Gebo brings a passion involved in community service, visit www.project351.org. for public service to Spencer officials selectmen’s race salute departing Town BY KEVIN FLANDERS tion, Gebo is an advocate STAFF WRITER of keeping staffing levels strong throughout town to provide high-quality service Administrator SPENCER – A life- long resident of Spencer, to residents. Senior services BY KEVIN FLANDERS Danielle Gebo has served are also a major priority for STAFF WRITER her community in a num- her. SPENCER – Selectmen were officially informed last week of Town Administrator ber of ways over the years. “I would love to see all our Thomas Gregory’s imminent departure. Now she is hoping to con- town services restored back The administrator’s resignation was formalized during the April 12 Select Board tinue her service as a mem- to full-time – and all depart- meeting. After accepting a position as Hudson’s new executive assistant, Gregory’s ber of the Select Board. ments adequately funded,” last day of employment in Spencer will be June 6. Gebo is one of two can- said Gebo, who most recent- “I’m grateful for the confidence the Board of Selectmen placed in me during my didates vying for the ly spent a few years in retail tenure in Spencer, and I wish the town success as it looks to the future,” Gregory Photo Courtesy Select Board seat to be left store management. “Our said. by Selectwoman Wendy Danielle Gebo is running seniors finally have a place Between May 24 and June 6, Gregory will use accrued vacation time. Town offi- Berthiaume, who is not for a seat on the Spencer to call home, and I would cials thank him for his service, which began in 2018. seeking re-election. Select Board. like to make sure that we “I thought he served our town very well. He is professional, a good communica- The Annual Town continue to support their tor, and he carried the ball for us on a lot of critical projects,” said Selectman Tony Election will take place on needs, as they deserve our Pepe. “Hudson is getting a very good administrator.” May 11. For Gebo, it’s an opportunity full support.” Selectmen haven’t determined the process that will be used to replace Gregory. to expand into an even broader arena Gebo married her high school sweet- Multiple board members told the New Leader they support hiring an interim of municipal service. heart and went on to raise three chil- administrator, which would allow for adequate time to take the next steps in the “I care about my town and commu- dren in town. She has always appreci- replacement process while continuing high-level services. nity. I am extremely passionate, and ated the opportunity to live in a tight- The board expects to vote on the candidate acquisition process for the next full- want to be more involved. I want what knit community, and she hopes to have time administrator during its April 26 meeting. Members could elect to form a is best for our town,” Gebo told the the chance to support residents as a town administrator search committee, or a firm could be hired to identify strong New Leader. member of the Board. candidates. With a range of volunteer and career “In Spencer, community is our great- News of Gregory’s departure comes at a busy time for Spencer, with residents set experiences across multiple venues in est strength,” Gebo said. “In times of to vote at the Annual Town Election on May 11. Two candidates are vying for the town, Gebo is well-prepared to handle tragedy or need, you can always count Select Board seat to be left by Wendy Berthiaume, who is not seeking re-election. the many challenges facing Spencer. on people to pull together and help Due to accrued vacation time, it is possible that Gregory’s last day of work She has served on the Spencer Rescue each other.” could be in late May, although his employment extends into June. Following his Squad as an EMT/administrative Gebo has seen community solidarity departure, town officials would like to immediately transition to the next phase of assistant. During her employment on full display during the pandemic. If leadership to ensure continuity. with the squad, she helped implement elected, she would be focused on work- In the coming weeks, calls will likely be made to inquire about the availability of the in-house medical billing system. ing with the other Board members to potential interim administrator candidates, selectmen said. During the town’s last Gebo also drove school buses for continue supporting the community’s transition between administrators in 2017, William Ross was chosen to hold the the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional emergence from COVID-19. position in an interim capacity. School District for eight years. “I feel Spencer has great systems in Officials highlighted the importance of having a smooth transition during a time Additionally, she has served on the Old place for dealing with COVID-19,” Gebo of major personnel changes in town.