Left to right: Grumpy Old Men Frank Hartung, Bill Piervincenzi and Jack McShane don’t look so grumpy as they install the memorial bench in Ballantine Park

By Bill PiervincenziThe three men in the picture are not W.P.A. workers. They are members of an elite group of community service activists known as the “Grumpy Old Men”. To be a member, you have to be over 60 years old, have a disagreeable disposition and an insatiable desire to do good things for the Andes community. The three seen here are digging out a place to plant a park bench in Ballantine Park.

Jack McShane (on the right) observed that there was money left in the old Andes Community Empowerment (A.C.E.) account. He suggested that it would be a good thing to use the money to buy a park bench and to dedicate it to the memory of George Calvert. George was a tireless advocate for the Andes Community and everyone Jack asked thought it was a good idea.

Grumpy old Bill P. takes a well-deserved break on the finished project

A bench matching those already placed in the village was purchased with the help of healthy financial contributions from Grumpy Old Men Marty Donnelly, John Gregg, Frank Hartung, Jack McShane, Bill Piervincenzi and Eric Wedemeyer (honorary member). In spite of their generosity, the group finds that they are still $400 short of the money they need to complete the project. If any members of our community would like to help, just send a contribution to any Grumpy Old Man. Any small amount would help. If anyone wishes to be considered for membership in the Grumpy Old Men, simply provide proof of age and a letter from your spouse or significant other, that you are a grouch but have a deep concern for your Andes neighbors. ~