Powassan's Town Crier, Hugh Smith, who died this past October, was remembered Saturday at the opening on the Maple Syrup Festival.
Smith was a well known and respected school teacher who used his retirement years for the betterment of his community. He served as Powassan’s first and only Town Crier.
See related story: Big loss for Powassan as popular resident passes
Patti Fedeli wrote a memorial poem which was read at the official opening.
A Poem for Hugh
We gather together to welcome the spring,
The rivers that rage, and the birdies that sing.
Though gratefully shed of the snow and the frost,
Our hearts remain heavy for one we have lost.
A teacher, a poet, a lover of lore,
A gentleman, scholar, friend, and mentor.
He'd find you the right book to read by the fire,
Purveyor of tales, our beloved Town Crier.
Each year he would stand 'neath the sap-heavy trees,
In blue velvet cloak, with frost-bitten knees.
And ring in the season of blessed rebirth,
With folksy good wisdom, and gentle good mirth.
Today as we celebrate all that is sweet,
With the sun in our hearts, and grass 'neath our feet.
As the sap harkens forth, with its call to renew,
We'll smile, and remember, and listen for Hugh.
By Patti Fedeli, 2016