FROM THE LEFT ARE Wakefield Independence Day Parade Committee member Paul Watts, Grand Marshal Bill Chetwynd, Vice-Chairman Dave Sidebottom and committee members Marietta Schwartz and Cheryl Dalton
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield Independence Day Parade Committee announces that the Grand Marshal for the 2015 Independence Day Parade is Bill Chetwynd. Mr. Chetwynd exemplifies the theme of the parade: “Foundation of Democracy – America’s Volunteers.”
This theme celebrates the men and women who volunteered their time, skills, blood, sweat and tears to establish an independent nation. It also honors those who volunteer their time and skills to make our community a better place to live. The parade committee solicited essays about nominees for Grand Marshall. These essays were read and voted on by the Independence Day Committee Board of Directors.
Bill Chetwynd has freely given his time and skills in many ways to his community. He served on the Wakefield School Committee for 15 years, during which he also served on some state-wide committees and was the recipient of an MASC award for being a Friend of Public Education. Bill has been president and is currently a director of The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield and was awarded membership in the National Honor Roll for Dollars for Scholars. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the Center of Performing Arts, was instrumental in establishing the Wakefield Academy program and serves on the Board of the Wakefield Memorial High School Alumni Association.
He was also involved in the establishment of, and continues to volunteer at, the Wakefield Farmers Market and participates in the Wakefield Adult Mentoring program (WAM).
Bill is a member of the group that established the Boys and Girls Club in Wakefield and currently serves on the Board of Directors. He has volunteered for a number of years with the Refugee Immigration Ministry program, a non-profit organization that helps people who are seeking asylum in the United States. He has served on the Board of Directors as well as working with clients in the local cluster, has helped with outreach and fundraising for the organization and has also, when needed, provided employment counseling for the clients. Bill is a member of Golden Rule Lodge of Masons in Wakefield and was presented the Joseph Warren Medal for service to his lodge and community.
Along with his many civic contributions Bill also served his country in Vietnam as a member of the United States Army.
Bill Chetwynd epitomizes the spirit of volunteering. He has given so much of his time and talent to our community with no expectation of reward or recognition. The Wakefield Independence Day Parade Committee is proud to have Bill Chetwynd as Grand Marshal.
The parade Committee received nominations for many worthy Wakefield citizens who have volunteered so much of their time to make Wakefield such a great place to live. The following individuals will receive four tickets to watch the Independence Day Parade from the VIP Grandstand and an Independence Day Parade T-Shirt; Bob and Merry Eldridge, Maureen and John Koehler, Michael Sullivan, Kelli Stromski, Wendy Dennis and Anthony Guardia.
Learn more about the Independence Day Parade Committee at www.julyparade.org.
