The Magnificent Seven you can be thankful for

They didn't actually ride into town one day and just start fighting for us. You might say they just sort of happened into their roles.

This Thanksgiving, here's some people who live in your town you can be thankful for.

Anthony Ejarque, Rochester:

Ejarque

His passion for theater and robust leadership of the Rochester Opera House has elevated this historic venue to new heights. From rock solid theater like The Music Man and Chicago to one-night performances with superstars like Melanie and The Little River Band, the Opera House is rocking like never before.

Ben Thompson, Lebanon:

Thompson

No one in recent history has fought for transparency of Lebanon government (from the inside) as the current Selectmen Chairman. From his cogent powerpoint presentations on the Rescue Department's financial straits a year ago to his latitude of public expression and comment at selectmen's meetings, Thompson has shown an unwavering commitment to openness and integrity in the corner office.

Les Elder, Milton:

Les Elder looks over Milton like a mother hen watches over her chicks. Not for the glory,

Elder

surely not for money, Elder is always there to galvanize support for the causes he believes in. Like when he led an effort to replace a bench at Veteran's Park that had been vandalized. Or when he worked hard to see that a landfill was not going to land in his town. And of course, don't forget his work for improvements to the MFPL.

T.J. Jean, Rochester:

Jean

Rochester's hugely popular mayor and soon-to-be school board member has been engaged in the betterment of the city for many years, as a
Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and Main Street member as well as mayor for the last six years. He helped facilitate huge TIFF projects, including the one for The Ridge Marketplace, which will open next spring.

Nancy Wyman, Lebanon:

Wyman

As head of the Historical Society and member of the Dorcas Society and West Lebanon Ladies Group, Wyman has helped countless Lebanon youth with the latter two group's college scholarships for recent Lebanon graduates of Noble High School. She has been a fixture as president of the Historical Society and has proved very skillful in bringing in fascinating guests to speak at their meetings. She is a tireless volunteer and can always be seen on Election Day at the Lebanon Elementary School promoting various charitable causes.

Corinna Cole, Lebanon:

Cole

Corinna Cole has been a fighter for Lebanon for decades, as a staunch supporter for a town manager and videotaping of Lebanon selectmen meetings. She has not always persevered in her endeavors, but what is most admirable is she, herself, has persevered. Her passion for Lebanon is without reproach and unquenchable. For the first time in many years she will not run for selectman, saying, not surprisingly, she supports Thompson.

Fred Cameron, Milton:

Cameron

As the owner of Cameron's Home and Garden Center in Farmington, Cameron, who lives in Milton, has volunteered much to help the town, including manpower and materials to make improvements to the baseball diamond at Town Beach. As former governor and loyal member of the Milton Moose Lodge, he has also donated much to help the club beautify the grounds of its lodge on White Mountain Highway.