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Sunset Circle in Derry is a bit brighter, thanks to the efforts of longtime resident Lorraine Butler.
Butler, 54, who has lived on the street for more than 30 years, has a developmental disability. But she hasn't let that keep her from holding down a job. She works a full schedule at the Derry Walmart.
She hasn't let it limit her civic activism either. When she became concerned about the risk to her neighbors who might be out walking along the edge of the street at night, she did something about it.
Butler went before the town's Highway Safety Committee in June to request a street light. The committee looked into it, met again on the matter in July and voted in favor of adding the light. The Department of Public Works contacted Public Service Company of New Hampshire, and the new light was installed earlier this month.
"My concern was the people," Butler said. "It concerned me when people were out walking. Cars would not be able to see them."
This is not the first time she has taken on a cause as a volunteer. She has been honored in past years by Region 10 Services for her civic work, volunteerism and determination to help others.
Besides the satisfaction of improving her neighborhood, Butler says, "I want people to know that special needs people can speak up."
She has done that and more. She doesn't just speak up. She gets things done.
