Archive: Around Town

However, we make this nomination based on his ample volunteer work. We are not even sure we are aware of some of the things he does. In fact, we suspect our nominee probably invented the phrase "Multi-Tasking". He is a master of the art!

His announced goal is "to hold each job, in turn, at my church” so that he can know what the jobs are, what skills are required, how the jobs can best be done and how time much is realistically needed to do each well. He is equally analytical about service on various committees.

A listing of those committees is long and varied, including Outreach, Care Givers, Helping Hands, Stewardship & Finance, Administrative Council and numerous sub-committees of each.

In addition, Ed leads Bible Study at Woodsedge once a week, and conducts services for three very small rural churches in Tompkins County several times each month. We have noted that one of the Sundays he preaches always coincides with the turkey dinner served at Ledyard United Methodist Church! Those of us who have attended those services and dined there have observed more of the multi-tasking Ed LaVigne does. He preaches the sermon, eats a fine dinner and then helps wash the dishes.

Where the Ed LaVigne star really shines is during his most spectacular service: Ed takes a week off from being a pharmacist to Co-Chair the twice a year Rummage Sale at Lansing United Methodist Church.

These Rummage Sales have been described as being "The Grandmother of all rummage sales". There are two good reasons for that: (1) the volume of "stuff" that passes through the sale and (2) the proceeds are enough to make up about 10% of the church's annual budget.

Ed LaVigne at the Fall Rummage Sale
[ Picture by Hillis Wilson ]

For this event, our illustrious nominee becomes twins, Ed and Fred. The reason, of course, is that one person could not possibly do all that he does!  It was his suggestion to set up tents in the parking lot to hold the overflowing categories of toys, books and the larger items. It was Ed/Fred who arranged for cash registers to be placed in several locations. These shortened all the check out lanes and simplified accounting.

Whether or not Ed/Fred can take total credit for all the innovations taking place during their tour of duty, two things have happened to improve the overall running of the sales: One: The sign up sheets were revised, with a clean-up crew at each stage. A separate and final clean-up team holds a revered status; it moves in after the sales close. Two: The kitchen became a freestanding entity, with its own chef and a staff that works only in the kitchen. Keeping all volunteers well fed, happy and working hard is its sole mission.

We hold Ed LaVigne in high regard for his professional approach to all his duties, we appreciate his quick wit and quirky sense of humor, but we cut him little slack when he tries to exercise his right of free speech during the Saturday morning Men’s Breakfasts (Saturdays at 7am at Linda’s Diner).

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