When I became executive director of CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) in 2000, I didn’t know a whole lot about Franklin County. I lived in Sunderland then and owned Annie’s Garden Store on Rt. 116 in Amherst. But I appreciated right away that I needed to know more about Franklin County if I were to be an effective leader at CISA. I went to see Jay Healy from Charlemont who was the Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture at the time. Jay was an early supporter of CISA so he understood CISA’s mission. I knew he could help me make connections. I asked him, “Who is the most important person I should know in Franklin County.” And he said, without hesitation, “Ann Hamilton.” I contacted her, and for many years we worked together on agriculture-related projects, often in competition as CISA developed many tourism events which Ann wanted the Chamber of Commerce to sponsor! She gave her forceful life to Franklin County, and I am grateful for all the work she did to build the county’s reputation and to promote its beauty and gifts. We are a stronger community because of Ann’s dedication and love for all of us.

Annie Cheatham

Conway

]]>