Community leaders who have worked to feed mind and body have been in the Gloucester spotlight recently … but they did not seek the spotlight. Their actions attracted it.

Family and community have honored the late Edwin Joseph with a bas-relief plaque at the Gloucester Library. It was his vision in 2003 that led to 1) The library’s spacious modern quarters at the site it occupies today in Main Street Center, helping to feed the minds of its many patrons, and further 2) redevelopment of that center, with rent going to the benefit of 3) businesses on Gloucester’s Main Street, helping to keep alive the historic business district.

It was great to see a permanent recognition given to the man who did so much for his adopted hometown.

Two additional community leaders, Mari Ann and Charles Banks, who also adopted Gloucester, have put together for five years now a fun event, Food from the Heart. They sponsor the cooking and tasting demonstrations at their party barn at...