The annual Night of Appreciation in Mexico honored more than a dozen people.
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer

MEXICO – Nearly 150 people turned out Thursday for the town’s annual recognition of volunteers and employees who have helped make Mexico a better town.

The annual Night of Appreciation honored more than a dozen people, ranging from announcing the Citizen of the Year and Employee of the Year, to special town manager awards given for tasks completed above and beyond what is expected.

“We want to recognize the people who help make the town grow,” said Town Manager Joseph Derouche during the seventh annual event.

A special award was given to long-time resident Norwood Waterhouse who crafts benches and picnic tables that are now placed in various parks around the town. The town has placed brass plaques on some of the benches honoring specific individuals.

This year’s Volunteer of the Year is Barbara Gerrier who has been active in the garden club, takes care of people, and who house sits when necessary. The Employee of the Year award went to Valerie Messana, the Mexico Public Library’s librarian. Part-time Employee of the Year is Anne Young, water district administrator and town office “Jill of all trades.”

The Citizen of the Year award went to Leslie Fuller, an active Mexico Historical Society member who shares his vegetable garden with neighbors and friends.

Mexico residents nominated candidates for each of the awards. Selectmen had final say.

Additional special town manager awards went to Janna Schuster, recognized for her outstanding accounting work in the town office; Kayla Schuster, a volunteer junior secretary at the town office, Edward Carey, who created the new street maps for the town because of the new E911 address changes; Leo Cornier, for saving the lives of three young boys many years ago; and local business owner Todd Wardwell, who landscaped the flower and shrubbery spot at the fire department dedicated to Harding Wentzell and Walston Barrett.

Years of service awards went to recreation department director Greg Arsenault, five years; Raymond Vaillancourt, municipal buildings’ custodian, five years; David Errington, road commissioner, 10 years; and Janna Schuster, bookkeeper, 15 years.

Nearly two dozen local businesses donated gifts and gift certificates that were distributed through ticket drawings to those attending.

Maddy’s Pizza provided the traditional spaghetti and meatball supper at the Mexico Recreation Center.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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