The 2026 Westminster Garden Tour is officially over!
Thank you to everyone who visited this years' gardens. It was a wonderful weekend with great weather and a wealth of lovely gardens. A special thank you to our many volunteers and board members who worked throughout the weekend. And a very special thank you to our many sponsors for helping to make this event happen: 802 Credit Union, Allen Brothers, Brattleboro Bowl, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Chroma, Cota & Cota, Mascoma Bank, Silver Forest, the Saving Bank of Walpole and Bensonwood.
Thank you to everyone who visited this years' gardens. It was a wonderful weekend with great weather and a wealth of lovely gardens. A special thank you to our many volunteers and board members who worked throughout the weekend. And a very special thank you to our many sponsors for helping to make this event happen: 802 Credit Union, Allen Brothers, Brattleboro Bowl, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Chroma, Cota & Cota, Mascoma Bank, Silver Forest, the Saving Bank of Walpole and Bensonwood.
Michelle Aron Named Westminster Cares Director
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The new director of Westminster Cares is a hometown girl: Michelle Aron grew up on the flats in Westminster Station and has many connections here. After moving to Boston for college and staying in the city many years, Michelle is back in town with an important new position. She succeeds Donna Dawson, who is retiring after thirteen years leading the nonprofit organization. Michelle brings to her job a passion for community building and helping folks find useful resources. “I love being part of a community no matter where I am, in work and in extra- curricular activities, getting to know my neighbors, going to community events, volunteering. Even in Boston I knew all my neighbors.”
She has always worked for nonprofit and human service organizations, often in management roles that supported adults with disabilities. A year and a half ago, she moved back to Westminster to be closer to family and began work with another human service agency. “I wasn’t necessarily searching for another job at this time, but then friends and family started emailing me about Westminster Cares.” Michelle says, “I know Westminster Cares because my aunt and my grandmother were both volunteers, and various family members have benefited from their help.” Another connection: Michelle’s grandfather, Hollis Rhoades, was once a town constable, took care of Westminster cemeteries, and was caretaker for the Westminster Institute for some time.
She plans to spend her spare time outdoors hiking, swimming, camping, and being with her eight-year-old son, also an outdoors guy. “My son is a big part of the reason we moved back,” Michelle says, “He’s thriving in the Vermont air!”
“We’re really excited that Michelle accepted the position, commented outgoing director Donna Dawson. She brings with her a wealth of skills and expertise from various positions within the human services field; among them non-profit management, program administration, budgeting, grant writing, recruitment and training, event planning and direct client services. Her experience and her warm, welcoming demeanor combined with her knowledge of the community make her a natural fit to lead the organization.”
The new director of Westminster Cares is a hometown girl: Michelle Aron grew up on the flats in Westminster Station and has many connections here. After moving to Boston for college and staying in the city many years, Michelle is back in town with an important new position. She succeeds Donna Dawson, who is retiring after thirteen years leading the nonprofit organization. Michelle brings to her job a passion for community building and helping folks find useful resources. “I love being part of a community no matter where I am, in work and in extra- curricular activities, getting to know my neighbors, going to community events, volunteering. Even in Boston I knew all my neighbors.”
She has always worked for nonprofit and human service organizations, often in management roles that supported adults with disabilities. A year and a half ago, she moved back to Westminster to be closer to family and began work with another human service agency. “I wasn’t necessarily searching for another job at this time, but then friends and family started emailing me about Westminster Cares.” Michelle says, “I know Westminster Cares because my aunt and my grandmother were both volunteers, and various family members have benefited from their help.” Another connection: Michelle’s grandfather, Hollis Rhoades, was once a town constable, took care of Westminster cemeteries, and was caretaker for the Westminster Institute for some time.
She plans to spend her spare time outdoors hiking, swimming, camping, and being with her eight-year-old son, also an outdoors guy. “My son is a big part of the reason we moved back,” Michelle says, “He’s thriving in the Vermont air!”
“We’re really excited that Michelle accepted the position, commented outgoing director Donna Dawson. She brings with her a wealth of skills and expertise from various positions within the human services field; among them non-profit management, program administration, budgeting, grant writing, recruitment and training, event planning and direct client services. Her experience and her warm, welcoming demeanor combined with her knowledge of the community make her a natural fit to lead the organization.”
Donate to Westminster Cares!
Click on the DONATE button below. Choose the amount that's right for you. Know you have our gratitude and appreciation for your support!
Click on the DONATE button below. Choose the amount that's right for you. Know you have our gratitude and appreciation for your support!
Highlights from Westminster Garden Tours of Yesteryear