THE MICHAEL J. BRYANT

MEMORIAL FUND

March 2010 Grant Info

Michael J. Bryant was a co-owner of Calkins Creamery.  He worked side-by-side with his father Bill and brother Zack on Highland Farm all of his adult life, until his untimely death at age 27.  Mike loved animals, particularly his dogs – Millie, Kohl & Buddy – and was often the first Bryant to welcome Creamery customers to the farm.  He also was a proud firefighter with The Beach Lake Fire Company, Wayne County 21, winning “2007 Wayne County Firefighter of the Year” honors, posthumously.

On July 1, 2008, the Bryant Family initiated the Michael J. Bryant Memorial Fund to remember two causes that were important in Mike’s life – people with disabilities and community organizations such as 4-H and the volunteer fire company.  In 2008, the Calkins Creamery also designated Smoke Signal, an apple-wood smoked Gouda, as its “Cheese for a Cause.”  Annually, 10% of Smoke Signal profits will be sent to the Michael J. Bryant Memorial Fund to continually grow the Memorial Fund.

The fund became endowed at $10,000 on December 31, 2008 thanks to the generosity of family, friends and businesses.  The Bryant family will begin awarding small grants, annually, to people and civic groups that meet the endowment’s criteria.  In this way, Mike’s legacy will live on in the community.

The fund is managed by the Wayne County Community Foundation.  Contributions can be made, as follows:

The Wayne County Community Foundation

Michael J. Bryant Memorial Fund in the check memo line

214 Ninth Street

Honesdale, PA 18431