Letter: Varallo endorses Ann Marie Foley for Select Board

Over the course of my career, I have served on many boards and have worked with hundreds of volunteers. I know this to be true: All are dedicated to the mission of their organization. Most have their hearts in the right place. Some are great public speakers; others great writers. And some are the honorable gatekeepers, doing what’s expected. And every once in a while the unexpected happens: a star presents herself, a package with all the right skills and values. Polished; strong; deliberate. A leader, an innovator, a mentor. Ann Marie Foley is that star.

I’ve known Ann Marie for more than 20 years. I met her in our joint volunteer work with Grafton’s Boy Scouts Troop 107. I’ve watched her work, I’ve watched her encourage, I’ve watched her inspire. When I served on Grafton’s School Committee, I came to know Ann Marie as a critical thinker, one who asks the tough questions — but not in a tough way. She is kind. She loves hard, laughs often, and shouts out loud. She is triumph personified; and failure’s nemesis.

I wholeheartedly support Ann Marie Foley’s candidacy as a member of Grafton’s Select Board. We need her experience, her good mind, and her leadership. Join me in voting for Ann Marie Foley on May 17th.

Nancy Varallo, Former Chair and member of Grafton School Committee