As Chair of the Cultural Council in Bedford, I have devoted significant time to the support of local artists, scientists, educators and others. The character of our communities includes the wonderful art pieces that hang in our libraries and public buildings. It includes the gardens, educational books and periodicals, video creations on local cable channels. All of this gives us our identity and the reason businesses and people come to our communities, invest in our real estate, and help us maintain property values. Art and culture is the sauce that flavors our every day diet.