Dave and Linda Cryer contributed much to Middlesex County

After more than two decades of serving community through their
nonprofit hub in Harmony Village, the Cryers are leaving area

People like Dave and Linda Cryer don’t come along very often.

During their time in Middlesex County, the Cryers have started, joined and been involved in numerous programs that all have a single purpose — helping the less fortunate.

After 23 years of being a big part of the community the Cryers are moving from the area. “This has been our home longer than any other place and we will miss it very much,” said Linda Cryer.

During a recent Middlesex County Kiwanis Club send-off for the Cryers, Fred Gaskins said, “The Cryers are leaving Middlesex a lot better than they found it.”

This is the consensus of those around the Cryers.

“When Dave and Linda have seen a need, if they have the means to do something about it, they do it,” said Middlesex County Administrator Matt Walker. “They don’t just stand back and talk, they actually get things done!”

Foster children

The Cryer Center was not the first manifestation of the Cryers care and compassion for the needy, said fellow Marine Ray Kostesky. “Before they came to Middlesex and after they came to Middlesex, they were a haven for foster children.” Dave and Linda have cared for 54 foster children.

Name

The Cryer Center on General Puller Highway (Route 33) near Harmony Village is the heart of the volunteer programs. Although the Cryers built it, they did not name it, explained Dave Cryer. The name “Cryer Center” was an odd occurrence with neither Dave or Linda involved. At a meeting of the Hands Across Middlesex and Habitat for Humanity boards about the design for the center, one thing discussed was a name for the center. After several ideas were rejected, Dave had to excuse himself and while he was gone, the late Rev. Chauncey Mann suggested, “The Cryer Center,” and the board approved…