In addition to volunteering their time to various organizations and projects, the Simsbury Hometown Heroes honored at a ceremony Wednesday night each tried to deflect some of the attention they received.
"It takes a group of people to have an organization run smoothly," said Jane Stevenson, who has volunteered for the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department auxiliary, McLean Auxiliary, St. Mary's and more.
Max Horton, who helps seniors with tax preparation, volunteers for Meals on Wheels with McLean and works with literacy and Simsbury Public Library initiatives, also thanked others and said he hopes the program inspires more people to step up.
"Perhaps it will encourage other people to do the same," he said. "I'm glad I have something to offer."
Don and Sally Rieger were honored for their work with the Simsbury Land Trust, the Wild and Scenic Designation committee and in opposing the MDC option to divert water to the University of Connecticut. Don Rieger drew some laughs when he said, "The river needs your help folks. We need to be vigilant, vocal, and if necessary, vicious."
Susan Masino, honored for efforts with the Safe Routes to School program, the Grange and "Keep the Woods," which raised more than $3 million to preserve 425 acres at The Ethel Walker School, said she chose to move to town for good reason.
"I really wanted to move to someplace that cared about itself and its future," she said.
Marion and Robert Gilmore, who deliver books and meals to the homebound, said they were "flattered and honored" to be among the hometown heroes.
In the town's words, here are some of the activities in which those honored participate:
- Marion & Robert Gilmore: Marion and Robert have made it their business to care for those who are homebound by making deliveries of library books and meals. In addition to their work for the library and Meals on Wheels, they are active with First Church and have been generous in many ways with both time and treasure. ·
- Sally & Don Rieger: Sally is chair of the Farmington River Wild & Scenic Committee. Together, Sally and Don have led the charge to protect the Farmington River, seeking special protection for it from the Federal Government and, more recently, standing up to proposals to divert this important resource.
- Max Horton: Max volunteers for computer tutoring at the Senior Center; he is a certified IRS tax preparer for our senior residents; he participates in the Meals on Wheels program, the Library Books to Your Door Committee and YMCA Adult literacy program. Quite a resume. ·
- Susan Masino: Susan has been a leader in the Ethel Walker Keep the Woods effort; a leader in the Safe Routes to School Program; and a leader in revitalizing the Grange for today’s youth — proving that our volunteers take care of all ages! ·
- Jane Stevenson: Jane volunteers for the Simsbury Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary; the McLean Auxiliary; the Girl Scouts; St. Mary’s Church and the PTA. Once again, this is service above and beyond.
Simsbury has been honored volunteers since 1986 when Gov. William O'Neill started the program as part of the 350th anniversary of Connecticut's founding.
The 2013 recipients were honored at a special Board of Selectmen meeting in Eno Memorial Hall Wednesday.
In her introductory remarks, First Selectman Mary Glassman said volunteers are involved in every facet of the town.
"There is not one aspect of our community that is not touched by volunteers," she said.
This year's selection committee consisted of:
- Mary A. Glassman, first selectman
- Nancy Haase, selectman
- Ron Locandro, business leader
- Roger Spear, Simsbury Historical Society
- Frank Haviland, former Hometown Hero
- Robert Gauthier, veteran
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