By MATT MCALLISTER
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
HAMMOND — A grassroots organization that has opposed commercial wind farms in the town is broadening its focus to encompass more community issues.
The Concerned Residents of Hammond marked a milestone Oct. 29 when it observed the first anniversary of the group's first meeting.
New CROH President Mary D. Hamilton said the group's scope of involvement is taking new directions.
"We're not totally changing things. We will remain focused on wind energy and the issues that go along with it," Mrs. Hamilton said. "Over the course of the past year, as the group has expanded, we've realized that this is a multitalented group of people whose combined efforts can really accomplish positive things for the town of Hammond."
She said the group is comprised of a diverse group of people, including rural and hamlet residents and seasonal property owners. Though portrayed by some as anti-wind and defiant in its approach, Mrs. Hamilton said, the group wants to educate the community and make it better.
"There are a lot of resources in the Hammond community and with the new administration, we're hoping to be able to continue to contribute to this community. We will continue to look at ways to be involved in Hammond," she said.
At the group's October meeting, a new slate of officers took charge. They spoke of a vision for the coming year that included a continued main focus on wind power issues, along with further exploration of ways to become more active in the community.
Along with the election of Mrs. Hamilton as president, the group named Allan P. Newell vice president and Peter Mills treasurer.
Recent efforts to work on quality-of-life issues in Hammond have included a donation to the Fire and Rescue Fund, help with organizing a citizens' patrol for Halloween and an ongoing drive for the Food Pantry.
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