WILTON – They called it Wilton-Lyndeborough Community Day of Service, an opportunity for people to volunteer for a variety of projects and raise money for the Open Cupboard Food Pantry. The weather on Saturday, Oct. 15, cooperated nicely with bright sunshine.

The event was sponsored by Wilton Community Center, Second Congregational Church, Wilton Collaborative Space, and the Lions Club Charitable Foundation. They were joined by the Wilton Conservation Commission, Frost This (with a donation), Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative High School, and Kimball Physics.

The Police Department also took part.

Church Member Stephanie Ouellette served as the Registrar, “the point person to go to.” She called it a successful day “for the first one. We want to do this again.”

About 45 people volunteered varying amounts of time toward a list of projects, she said. Some projects were cancelled, and others postponed or continued. As of Sunday noon, $1,221 had been collected for the Pantry, with another $100 donated at the free spaghetti supper which ended the event.

Projects worked on included weeding out invasive plants along the Stony Brook Riverwalk, stenciling storm drains in the Maple Street and Florence Rideout Elementary School area; painting the Still Good Shed at the Recycling Center; clearing brush from trails around the New Reservoir; yard cleaning for veterans; and a Walk for Open Cupboard.

“We assisted one veteran’s family,” Ouellette said.

Collaborative Space Coordinator Sandy Lafleur was one of four people who painted the Still Good Shed a soft cream color. Plans call for a mural to be painted on it in the spring by high school art students.

“Lots of good things happened today,” Lafleur said. “And a very nice salad and spaghetti upper put on by the Second Congregational Church folks.”

The town’s administrative Assistant Janice Pack coordinated the veteran’s assistance and Town Administrator Nick Germain joined the invasive plant removal crew.

Conservation Commission Member Allan Preston said they “got a lot done around the reservoir.” At least 14 people assisted with clearing trails and cutting brush.

The idea behind the day was to get people to volunteer, outside and helping the town, Lafleur said. There are people who’d like to help but don’t know how or where, or who have the time, Lafleur said. This project offered a list and people could volunteer for any amount of time. “Maybe get people interested in one area. Let people know what needs to be done.” An hour or two is a big help.

Cleaning at the Historical Society rooms was postponed. A new date will be set. That project includes dusting and general cleaning of the collections.

Constructing a 24-hour free food cupboard at the church has been postponed until spring while compliance with ordinances, such as setbacks, is resolved. The proposed size may have to be reduced.

Those attending the closing supper declared it a fun and productive day. Another one will be scheduled, perhaps in the spring.

There is still a lot to do.