Friday September 7, 2012

By MIKE FAHER

DUMMERSTON -- About 50 people gathered last week at Evening Star Grange to honor long-term commitment and community service.

Longevity was one of the evening’s themes, as awards were given to Ken Carpenter (55 years), Barbara Evans Little (60 years) and Luella Frechette (75 years).

Larry Lynch, Evening Star Grange master, dubbed Frechette’s service "very, very impressive."

"The 75 years is by far the longest that we’ve ever given out," Lynch said.

"Without our dedicated, long-serving people, we wouldn’t have a Grange," he added. "So we’re really grateful and thankful for that."

The Grange, which has 68 members, also handed out it’s annual community-service award to a "non-Granger" who has contributed to the area. The 2012 recipient was Ann Davis of West Dummerston.

Davis is secretary and treasurer of the West Dummerston Community Center and also is in charge of the serving line for Grange dinners, Lynch said.

"She’s always reliable," Lynch said. "We never have to worry about who will serve the meal. She’ll have it taken care of."

Davis, who also works at Dummerston School, heard from friends who spoke about her community work. That included Ron Autenwreith, who presented a CD made by his daughter, a former student of Davis’.

As is customary, Davis was not informed that she was receiving the honor prior to the

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ceremony.

"It was a secret," Lynch said. "She was actually told that her son was getting the award."

Mike Faher can be reached at mfaher@reformer.com or 802-254-2311, ext. 275.