MEXICO – Good humor was in abundance Tuesday night as more than 150 volunteers, employees and others who serve the town of Mexico in one way or another, gathered for the annual Night of Appreciation, complete with a sit-down spaghetti-and-meatball supper.

Volunteers were recognized for helping with the new gazebo, for planting flowers on the Mexico Greens, for keeping track of Mexico’s history, and for giving their time in the Green Church food pantry, among other organizations.

Town Manager John Madigan interrupted the congratulations to everyone every so often so that tickets could be drawn for door prizes donated by businesses.

Many projects have been completed during the past year, he said.

“The town hall floor has been painted, the gazebo is nearly completed,” he said.

Others, he said, have tried to bring events to the town, such as Matt Gallant and the Friends of the Mexico Recreation Park, who held a concert during the July Fourth weekend.

“They went above and beyond the call of duty to try to make something happen. The recreation committee has made improvements to the park and they hope to make more next year,” he said.

Three employees were recognized for meeting employee milestones: Michael Richard at the Mexico Police Department and John Arsenault on the Mexico Fire Department for five years; and Jeff Wade, who has been a public works employee for 15 years.

Valerie Messana, the librarian for the Mexico Public Library for more than five years, was chosen as full-time employee of the year from nominations submitted by townspeople.

Deputy Fire Chief Richard Jones was selected as part-time employee of the year.

The volunteer of the year award went to Conrad Bellegarde for his many years of helping wherever he could. He is a member of the Mexico Historical Society.

The citizen of the year award went to local businessman Todd Wardwell, who has donated equipment and labor for the recreation park; collected toys for Santa’s Helpers, and helped out in other activities and places around town.