By Kim Siebert MacPhail
At their June 18th meeting, the Selectmen voted unanimously to release the $ 1,813 in annual accrued interest from the Goodwin Fund to the Recreation Department for scholarships for summer programs. The income from the $500 bequest, established in 1921 by William Goodwin, would allow Bedford children who would otherwise not be able to attend, to participate in the summer programs. Families who qualify may request scholarship assistance directly from the Recreation Department or by referral.
Recreation Director Amy Hamilton said in her written request for the release of funds that referrals come from the teachers, principals, counselors, Special Education administrators, clergy, police, Social Services, neighbors, friends, counselors and others. Guidelines are provided for application, and decisions about awards are made by a committee, though kept confidential.
Last year, 37 children benefitted from such scholarships provided not only by Goodwin fund but also by the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund (NHN).
In a follow-up communication, Hamilton said that anyone can contribute to the NHN, either directly or through a voluntary provision on their application when they register for recreation programs. She added that the schools have been very helpful and generous with contributions and that, for example, when teachers retire, they often ask that, in lieu of gifts, contributions be made to the NHN Fund . “Other individuals have been generous as well,” added Hamilton.
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