This Month’s Featured Article

It’s time to celebrate the life and legacy of Jane Lloyd – a self-employed gardener and landscaper who passed away from breast cancer in 2005. When Lloyd’s illness made it difficult for her to earn a living, friends and family responded by graciously providing her with financial assistance, which enabled Lloyd to remain in her home in Lime Rock, CT, until her passing.

After Lloyd’s battle with cancer, her family established The Jane Lloyd Fund in 2006. As an endowed fund within Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, it helps families maintain a supportive environment for cancer patients. To be eligible, recipients must reside or work in the Connecticut towns of Canaan, Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, Salisbury, or Sharon.

“Relieving some financial burden reduces some of my stress and allows me to concentrate on my treatment. Thank you for all the hard work you put in to assist people like me in such a stressful time. Words cannot express how grateful I am,” says a Jane Lloyd Fund recipient.

About Jane Lloyd

Before relocating to Salisbury, Lloyd was a resident of Boston and New York City. While living in Salisbury, her passion for gardening blossomed. Several years later, Lloyd established her own business.

A member of the Salisbury Conservation Committee, the Salisbury Stingers hockey team, and the WeCanRow competitive rowing program for cancer survivors, Lloyd exhibited grace and displayed great courage during her last years. The way that she lived was an inspiration to all.

In 2003, with the help of a friend, one of Lloyd’s dreams came to fruition. She had an opportunity to meet and ride with Lance Armstrong.

It’s clambake time!

Beyond individual contributions, revenue is generated through fundraising events such as The Jane Floyd Fund’s 15th Annual Traditional New England Clambake. The event will be held on Saturday, July 30 at Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s Satre Hill (80 Indian Cave Rd. in Salisbury) – from 2pm to 8pm.

Tickets are $70 per person and include a raw bar as well as a delectable summer menu of steamers, lobster, potatoes, corn on the cob, and dessert. One glass of beer or wine is included. In addition, hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken will be available for purchase.

The clambake meals are cooked in a handmade kiln, crafted of wood and river rocks. The wood is lit on fire and burned – similar to a bonfire – until the river rocks are hot. Then seaweed is placed on the rocks and the clams, potatoes, corn, and crates of lobsters are placed on top. This is covered with wet heavy tarps, which steam the food. The burning of the kiln starts around 2pm and the food will be served at 4pm. “It’s a fun process to watch and so delicious to eat,” says Tanya Tedder, a Jane Lloyd Fund advisor.

Guests can enjoy a music circle with local musicians George Potts and Friends – an acoustic band. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The event will be held rain or shine.

Community-centric

“The community came together to help Jane in her time of need and this event symbolizes how the community is still coming together to keep her legacy alive. We have over 75 volunteers who have been helping for 15 years. Many town organizations offer services or space. Every year our tickets – 350 of them – sell out. There’s also those who come to buy a burger and beer and enjoy time with family and friends – all to support our community when they’re in need,” says Tedder.

“Through the event, we’d like to bring attention to the Fund and the assistance it provides. We started with nothing and it’s currently a $1.6 million fund,” says Caroline Burchfield, another Jane Lloyd Fund advisor.

“Before the fund helped me, I was going to refuse treatment. There was no point in living if I couldn’t pay my bills. If it wasn’t for the fund, I would not be here today. I am not depressed anymore and am looking forward to going back to work. Oh, life is good!,” says another recipient of The Jane Lloyd Fund.

Whether the donations pay a mortgage, car payment, electric bill, or medical bill, The Jane Lloyd Fund helps ease some of the financial burdens and worries that come along with a cancer diagnosis.

Funds are urgently needed to help others in the community. By making a donation, donors will make an impact on the life of a cancer patient. For more information or if you know of someone who may need assistance, contact The Jane Lloyd Fund. •

To learn more about The Jane Lloyd Fund call (413) 229-0370, email info@thejanelloydfund.org, or visit www. thejanelloydfund.org. To purchase tickets for the Clambake, please visit ttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/jane-lloyd-fund-15th-annual-traditional-new-england-clambake-tickets-333022197357.