For Elizabeth "Bette" Cullinan, every brushstroke tells a story.

Over the coming weeks, Bette plans to hand-paint 50 to 60 original greeting cards—each one taking about two hours to complete—not for profit, but to give back to a community that has meant so much to her family.

The cards will be sold exclusively at Fresh Look Designs, the downtown shop owned by Tom Capano next to Zumi's Espresso, with the proceeds benefiting the Proctor School music program. While final details are still being coordinated with the school, Bette hopes the funds will go directly to support the band.

The project is deeply personal.

For more than three decades, Bette and her husband, Richard "Dick" Cullinan, called Topsfield home. Dick, a U.S. Air Force veteran, spent years serving the town as its Veterans Service Officer, helping veterans and their families secure benefits, housing assistance, emergency aid, and other vital resources. Earlier this year, he retired after years of dedicated public service, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and commitment.

Along the way, one tradition always stood out.

"The kids in the band have no idea of the impact they made on Veterans events," Bette says. "When you get the kids, you get the parents and even grandparents to attend."

The Proctor musicians became an important part of Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances, helping transform ceremonies into true community gatherings. Bette sees this fundraiser as a way to thank those students while helping ensure future musicians have the support they need.

She's also hoping the project inspires others.

Bette calls it "Art With a Purpose"—the idea that local artists can use their talents to strengthen the community around them. Whether through paintings, crafts, photography, or other creative work, she believes giving back doesn't always require writing a check. Sometimes it starts with sharing a talent.

Although the Cullinans now live in Rowley, Bette says Topsfield will always feel like home.

"My heart remains close to Topsfield forever," she says.

Residents can watch for Bette's hand-painted cards at Fresh Look Designs later this fall, knowing that each purchase supports both local student musicians and the spirit of a community that continues to inspire them.