Farmington recognizes commitment to community
FARMINGTON – Roger Perry was a little suspicious as to why his help was needed to develop an ordinance less than two weeks before town meeting.
But as always, when the town calls on Perry, he makes sure to show up – with bells and a bearded smile.
On Friday afternoon, that’s just what Perry did and to his utter shock, he walked right into a surprise party, being thrown in his, and fellow honoree Nancy Twitchell’s honor.
The duo, who can always be counted on to pitch in to make town government run smoother, learned at the afternoon bash that Farmington’s annual town report for 2003 had been dedicated to them.
The party and the nod in the town report was just a small show of the boundless gratitude town officials and residents have for the two, who according to the dedication, “Demonstrate their commitment to the community by unselfishly devoting many hours of their valuable time and expertise to a variety of committees and organizations.”
Many hours is an understatement. Unselfish fits perfectly though.
Perry, a retired physician who moved to Farmington in 1988, has served on the town’s Transportation Advisory Committee, the Recycling Committee and the Budget Committee. He was also instrumental in developing many town ordinances including the zoning, site review and Planning Board ordinances to name a few. In addition, he serves as the secretary of the Farmington Zoning Board and is a member of the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association.
Twitchell’s list of contributions to the town is equally impressive. A former employee of People’s Bank, she is now retired and has worked on special projects including the E 9-1-1 addressing project, checking names of people who should apply for the homestead exemption and researching old town records to update the history of town roads.
Twitchell has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Board of Appeals, the Budget Committee and the Town Report Committee.
Mary Wright, chair of the town’s Board of Selectmen, told the two that the town requires people like them to thrive.
“It is a wonderful town because people like you get involved,” said Town Manager Dick Davis.
“We appreciate your willingness to always jump right in,” Davis told Twitchell, who at that point did just that.
“And speak my mind,” she chimed in, as selectmen and town employees who had gathered at the dedication laughed.
Meanwhile, Davis told Perry that his dedication to the planning development of the town shows how much he cares.
An emotional Twitchell, a slight flush of red on her cheeks, admitted she was a bit speechless and at the brink of tears.
“I am very surprised. Overwhelmed really,” she said. “It’s nice to be honored.”
She pointed out that as a non-municipal employee, she brings another perspective to the table, one that truly represents the common citizen. Volunteering, Twitchell explained, is the right thing to do because she has the free time to do it.
“Farmington is a nice community and it offers so much,” she said looking around the room.
Perry had a similar sentiment, saying as a citizen, he feels a responsibility to work to make the town a place where others feel welcome and want to come, just like he did in 1988.
“It’s nice to be appreciated, but that’s not why we do it,” he said. “The community gives people a whole lot and you have some responsibility to give back. It doesn’t mean much.”
Farmington’s 2003 Annual Report is now available at the town office.
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