Beverly Farms Improvement Society
WHO WE ARE
The Beverly Farms Improvement Society (BFIS) is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation that was founded in 1952 by local residents, who had a shared goal of improving the Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing communities by enhancing and preserving their natural beauties. The initial board members were: Rosamond J. Seabury, Doris L. Mayberry, Phyllis Noyes, Eleanor Sturgis, Elizabeth H. Morss, May R. Batchelder, and Constance T. Dupee. When COVID restrictions allow we would be very pleased to talk to anyone with a love of Beverly Farms, gardening, and community events and beautification.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary McCaffrey, President
Medley Long III, Vice President
Lori Sullivan, Treasurer
OUR MISSION
According to the By-Laws of the Beverly Farms Improvement Society, Inc., the corporation is constituted for the purposes of assisting and preserving the natural beauties of the City of Beverly, and in particular those sections of said City known as Beverly Farms and Prides Crossing, by planting and cultivating trees and shrubs; of doing such other acts as shall tend to beautify and improve said City; of giving attention to such matters as pertain to the general welfare of said City and its inhabitants; and of providing a suitable building and grounds for meetings to promote educational, literary, scientific and charitable pursuits among the people of said City and vicinity.
OUR WORK
BFIS is best known for the plantings and beautification of Beverly Farms. BFIS has been planting pansies in the horse trough in the spring for over 60 years. Past presidents such as Kay Whittier were iconic gardeners. The most recent past president, Wendy Drinkwater, lead many projects. However, what most elevated the downtown landscape was Coluntino Way in honor of Ralph and Madeline Coluntino. Madeline was on the BFIS board for years and was well known for her chicken salad that was served at the annual garden tour. We plant the horse trough, War Memorial, Coluntino Way, and Dix Park. The overall vision is to create a garden and green space that flows from downtown, through the library, to Dix Way, Dix Park, and then the Cemetery. We strive to be active members of the community and have contributed to restoration of the roof at Hastings House, helped plant flags in the cemetery for Memorial Day, and volunteered at Lobster Fest. Also, through the generosity of the Spridigliozzi family we have made new improvements to the fire house in close collaboration with the firemen. Over the years BFIS has done some large improvement projects, and our current large project is renovation of the cemetery fence.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
At the present time we have decided not to solicit membership. Rather we are seeking donations toward restoration of the Beverly Farms Cemetery fence. More information on this project is on the Projects Page. Please consider donating through Paypal located on the Donate Page or by check. Checks should be made out to: The Beverly Farms Improvement Society, and mailed to Box 5051, Beverly Farms, MA 01915. Your donation is 100% tax deductible. Also, on the Donate Page you can purchase a customized brick for Coluntino Way to contribute to the restoration of the cemetery fence. Please consider adding your name to our email list by contacting us through the Home Page.