Letters to the Editor: Teddy Smiarowski – Public service at its best

Teddy Smiarowski recently retired as the County Executive Director of the Hampshire-Hampden County USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office after a distinguished 36 year career.

I recently traveled all the way from Virginia to attend Teddy’s retirement dinner in Northampton on November 20 to help honor a fellow co-worker and great friend.

Teddy epitomized the mantra instilled in many of us that went through the then New England regional training program for future FSA County Executive Directors – you shall always serve in the public trust. Teddy took that edict much further than most. That is why so many came from near and far to honor him.

Teddy knew and treated the farmers of the entire Connecticut River Valley akin to family gathering with him for Thanksgiving dinner. He knew the dirt roads, hollows and washouts amongst crop fields better than General Rommel knew the main road to El Alamein. He always seemed to me to be the mayor of whatever farm program came about, especially disaster programs that required immediate relief for affected farmers.

If Congress created a farm program to move the Oxbow to the other side of the river, no matter how orthodox it may appear, Teddy would be there to implement it.

Teddy carried the often hidden banner of the Farm Service Agency quite well – we make do with what we have before we seek more funds to start what is needed.

Teddy is now helping his son Teddy Smiarowski III with his Smiarowski Farm Stand and Creamery on Route 47 in Sunderland. Teddy continues farming knowing that the pulse of the land is grateful for his dedication, stewardship and public service.

Robert T. Molleur, Manassas, Virginia

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