On Town Meeting Day this year, voter debate about the issues wasn't the only thing brewing. The Northfield Democrats brewed hot coffee and supplied free baked goods, requesting contributions to CERV in return. Altogether volunteers raised $120.49 for CERV, plus another $10.00 for the Vermont Foodbank.

"Our committee met the Saturday before Town Meeting Day," explained Christopher Curtis, Chairman of the Northfield Democrats. "And, we all agreed as a group that this was something we wanted to do," he said. "Everyone agreed to bake something, so the biggest logistical challenge was providing hot coffee for that many people," Mr. Curtis said.

Democratic Committee Vice- Chair, Carolyn Stevens, soon fixed the coffee problem. "My husband and I have a giant coffee maker at home, so I knew if we could find an outlet, our problem would be solved," Mr. Stevens said. "Fortunately, they had plenty of outlets and our cord was long enough."

Ms. Curtis and Mr. Stevens stopped by CERV on Saturday, March 7th to drop off a check for the full amount raised.

Linda Gray, CERV Coordinator gladly accepted the contribution. "We have seen an increase of fifty percent in need this year," she said. "And, we're up to 400 visitors this month compared to 300 last month," said Ms. Gray. "We could really use more food donations, and more volunteers," she said.

CERV is open three days each week (Monday (5:30pm - 6:30pm), Wednesday (9:00am - 10:00am, and Saturday (9:00am - 11:00am). The number to call for more information, to drop off donated food items, or to find out more about volunteer opportunities is 485-4293.

The local Democrats were pleased they could provide both a service to the town foodshelf, and to hungry Town Meeting Day participants. "If it's true that an Army marches on its stomach, then I suspect that Town Meeting Day voters discuss, debate, and vote on their stomachs," Mr. Curtis said. "We definitely noticed that the longer the meeting took, the more interest we had in the cookies, brownies, and other treats we could provide," he said. "I hope we can make this an annual tradition to help support CERV," said Mr. Curtis.