FARMINGTON — Jeffrey Michael Wright was surprised to learn March 14 that the 2023 Farmington Town Report was dedicated to him.
Selectman Chair Matthew Smith at left reads the annual town report dedication while Jeffrey Wright looks on at North Church in Farmington. The report was dedicated to Wright. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
More than 30 friends and associates gathered at North Church for the presentation to Wright. Jane Woodman was tasked with getting him there, but instead of going through the main doors, they came in a side one so his initial reaction wasn’t seen.
“Congratulations,” Selectman Chair Matthew Smith said.
“I don’t think I have ever seen him speechless,” Jon Bubier exclaimed.
“Every community values people who have a genuine desire to help others move forward and get things done in a kind, open and energetic way. Jeffrey Wright is one of them,” Smith read from the dedication.
Smith read the rest of the dedication which shares information about Wright’s early years, education, Army career and married life.
In 1998 Wright and his family returned to Farmington where he worked at Farmington Farmers Union, then at Northern Lights from which he retired “a second time”, the report states.
An active volunteer, Wright is involved in various organizations and has charge of programs in several, the report notes. “Jeff takes personal ownership for managing [North Church] with an eye on detail and upkeep,” a coworker for the Farmington Historical Society said. “He is extremely valuable to us and to the community. And on top of it all, he has a wonderful sense of humor,” another society member wrote in the report.
“Thank you very much,” Wright said. “What an honor. I never saw this coming. Wow.”
“It doesn’t mean you can quit anything,” Selectman Dennis O’Neil quipped.
“I want to thank the town, all the friends here,” Wright stated. “It is something I certainly appreciate. I have watched for 25 years. When I was in the Army, away, I would always get the town report.”
People don’t know how valuable they are, how much they are appreciated, Wright noted while looking through the report. “I love the pictures, love historic buildings and things, how they change. It’s an important part.”
“I didn’t think you were ever going to let me get you here,” Woodman stated. To get him to the church, she said the batteries needed changing but he didn’t think they did.
“I think we surprised him,” Bubier said.
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