To the Editor:
I grew up in Westerlo [“Inga Boudreau — From the Hilltowns to publishing,” an Altamont Enterprise podcast, Oct. 8, 2020].

Although it is not my home now, I visit often — both to see my sister and to wander the farm on Lobdell Mill Road where I lived until college.  

One of the things I do on those visits is “check out” the latest item available through the innovative efforts of Mary Jane Araldi at the Westerlo Museum.

I’ve been fortunate to have traveled this world: small-town museums, wherever they may be, are usually in dire straits — funding, volunteering, space requirements, and more are challenges. I know Westerlo has those challenges too, but Mary Jane has made it one of my go-to places for browsing and gifts and I salute her imagination and effort.

In past years, the note cards featuring sketched illustrations of the library, museum, buildings around town, and more were part of my presents for family and friends. This year, it was the Westerlo Museum building depicted in a hand-painted laser-cut wood ornament crafted through her contacts at Cedar and Pearl.

Mary Jane shared some ideas for upcoming creations and collectibles but those are her story to tell and reveal when ready.  

Local “History of Place” is not just large events writ small — it has feeling, flavor, color. Thank you, Mary Jane Araldi, for caring about the Westerlo Museum — I can’t wait to see what you do next. 

Inga Boudreau (née Goetze)

Rancho Mirage, California