DEERFIELD — Tree House Brewing Co. was presented with a “thank you” stamp from the U.S. Postal Service late last month for the use of its facility as a COVID-19 vaccination site.
The brewery’s co-owners were present at Aug. 25 Select Board meeting to receive the honor. The South County Emergency Dispensing Group was also honored with a first responders stamp for their efforts in navigating the pandemic and organizing a vaccination campaign.
Deerfield Postmaster Robin Driscoll addressed the two groups and thanked them for their service in a time of emergency.
“We would like to take the time to acknowledge the extra effort that Tree House Brewing Company and the South County Emergency Dispensing Group gave when it was needed,” Driscoll said. “We as a community are deeply appreciative of their contribution of facility and their generous support to make our clinic successful.”
Tree House was presented with a forever stamp adorned with the words “thank you” in gold foil.
“On Aug. 21, 2020, the Postal Service issued a forever stamp that perfectly states what everyone’s thinking when Tree House Brewing Company and the South County Emergency Dispensing Group are mentioned: ‘Thank you,’” Driscoll said. “There is a renewed awareness of the need for gratitude … you were there when you were needed most.”
Additionally, the South County Emergency Dispensing group was presented with a forever stamp honoring first responders.
A round of applause was held when Tree House co-owners Dean Rohan and Damien Goodreau unveiled the stamp.
Rohan said it was an “honor” to receive the stamp, and that allowing the town to use their facilities was a simple decision to make.
“It was something that was an easy yes when the town of Deerfield asked us,” Rohan said. “It’s nice to be recognized.”
Select Board member and Board of Health Chair Carolyn Shores Ness tsaid it was “wonderful” to work with Tree House on the vaccination drive. The brewery allowed the town to store its supplies in the warehouse in between each clinic and provided lunch and rest areas for volunteers.
“Compared to working in a parking lot, the Tree House facilities made fabulous an understatement,” Shores Ness said. “All I did was call and they volunteered right away.”
Shores Ness said it was nice to have the Postal Service also recognize the group of volunteers who in the South County Emergency Dispensing Group, who have committed hundreds of hours over the years to prepare for an event like this.
“We have a great group of volunteers and I’m very grateful the Postal Service recognized our volunteers,” Shores Ness said. “(It took) years of practice to make it effective and efficient.”