To the Editor,

The Mendes Family would like to express our gratitude for the article regarding our grandmother Mary Mendes. Matt [Bernat] really did a outstanding job on the article that he published. We would also like to thank Erving "Tootsie" Russell for reaching out to Representative Susan Gifford and arranging for her presence at our grandmother's home. Tootsie goes out of his way to visit with our grandmother and make her feel special. Thank you Tootsie for that.

We would also like to thank the Selectmen for their acknowledgement, and the other representatives from the state that sent various awards.

At this time we would also like to say thank you to everyone who called or sent best wishes for her birthday. Mary truly enjoyed her day!!!!!

The Mendes Family