Mary D., The Benefactor of Block Island

Image source: NY Times 

Block Island is a special place for many reasons, one of which includes the residents and local community. It has always been a dream of mine to spend a winter on the Block so that I could experience life as a local and, perhaps, give back to the island that has given me so much.  One resident who gives herself to the island is Mary Donnelly.  Mary is a RN who makes house calls to island residents, works at the island medical center and is an island institution.  Recently, Mary has been gaining fame for her other island job, the bill payer.  You see, Mary takes care of her own.  She pays the bills of year-round islanders who can't afford to keep their lights on, make a mortgage payment and so on.   It is community helping  community in the simplest, but most impactful form. 


There is so much that I admire about Mary, she is a nurse and a mother of seven (like my mom--love you mom!) and a community activist.  In some ways, she reminds me of my Aunt Tommy, who into her 80s served as a nurse on Martha's Vineyard.   


Mary's work was featured on CBS Sunday Morning this weekend and I thought I would share a link for you all to see a glimpse into this special woman's life and the island that she calls home.  


To make a donation to the Mary D. Fund, send a check to Mary D. Fund, P.O. Box 323, Block Island, RI 02807. 


Cheers, 
Craig 
www.blockislandseafood.com