Ann Lilley has a vision for building community that is unlike anyone I’ve met. She is dedicated to bringing people together in the most understated and genuine way. She is not motivated by any perceived power but with the altruistic vision of bringing common sense ideas and real transparency, not lip service.
I have worked alongside her for years as a friend and fellow member of our Parks & Recreation Commission, listening to her ideas and watching her bring them to life.
As an example of one of her contributions to this town, Ann was the architect behind the community garden, which has been running at the grounds of the old Halliwell Elementary School since the summer of 2021. She was passionate that if Parks & Rec started a garden in town it should be one big garden plot, worked by volunteers together, with extra veggies shared with the food pantry at Slatersville Congregational. It just finished its fourth successful growing season and Ann is already busy working on plans for next season. The plants are all grown from seed, which are largely grown in Ann’s kitchen with seeds Ann purchased herself with her own money or contributions received from people she shared her plants with the season before. It is one example of how her vision was focused on building connections, helping her neighbors, and doing so with her whole heart.
There are other examples around town like her fall daffodil project, or her annual kids crafts at the Parks & Recreation table at Pumpkinfest. You may also have met her at Kids Day in the Park or Spooky Spirits Night doing to most incredible face painting for excited children.
If you know Ann, you already know what kind of woman she is and what a trustworthy asset she would be on our town council. She believes in the power of community, researches what makes small towns beautiful, and truly finds joy in meeting her neighbors and understanding everyone’s differences. If you don’t know Ann, please do your research and consider voting for her when you find yourself at the polls.
Cheryl Marandola
North Smithfield
Ann Lilley is a good candidate for town council as she has town residents in mind. She knows the importance of community and would like to try and keep that going forward.