From left to right: Council on Aging Chair Ken O’Brien, Shirley Smith, and Selectmen Michael Ammendolia
hold awards and citations Smith received as Mendon’s Senior Citizen of the Year.
Smith Celebrated as Mendon’s Senior Citizen of the Year
By Michelle Sanford
Staff Reporter
The words “tireless” and “energetic” seemed to be the words most used by family and friends when describing Shirley Smith during a luncheon honoring her as Mendon’s Senior Citizen of the Year. The luncheon took place on Sunday, September 20, at the Unitarian Church and paid tribute to Smith’s unwavering commitment to Mendon’s resources and rural character.
As is tradition, Smith was escorted to the luncheon by the Mendon Fire Department and rode in one of the town’s fire trucks with sirens blaring. Council on Aging Chair Ken O’Brien greeted Smith as she and several members of her family stepped off the fire truck.
Nearly 60 guests attended the luncheon to honor Smith, who seemed overwhelmed at the attention she was receiving for protecting the community she loves.
“She’s got so much energy,” said Mendon resident
Deb Lane, a friend of Smith’s who attended the luncheon. “I like that she gets involved because she wants to protect the character of Mendon. She has no other agenda. She’s selfless.”Throughout the years, Smith been involved with a number of town committees and groups including the Mendon Water Board, the Water Study Committee, and she served as Water Commissioner. She currently serves as chair of the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee and is also a member of Preservation Mendon. She is the founding member of the Lake Nipmuc Association which was formed to bring awareness of the lake’s vulnerability from the effects of growing populations, increased traffic, and development. She graduated Cum Laude from Framingham State with a degree English Literature and is also a published author.
Before everyone enjoyed the delicious lunch of salad, chicken, and potatoes served by the Leo’s Club, several people talked about Smith and her dedication to Mendon.
O’Brien spoke first and cited a speech given by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1910 in Paris called The Man in the Arena, during which Roosevelt discussed everyday citizens fighting for causes and for their community.
“Credit needs to go to those who stay in the arena for the benefit of others,” said O’Brien of Smith.
Next, Board of Selectmen Chair Michael Ammendolia read aloud Smith’s many accomplishments and commented on her commitment in keeping Mendon’s rural character.
“I’ve known Shirley for a number of years,” he said. “She’s a tireless worker for the protection of the character of our town,” he said.
Proclamations from both the Senate and House of Representatives were also given to Smith by O’Brien and Ammendolia.
Smith sat with her family at the head table and was very touched with all the accolades she received as she thanked everyone for coming.
In closing, O’Brien, a former Selectmen, recalled fond memories when speaking with Smith on various issues that both were involved in.
“Anytime I’ve ever talked to Shirley, I was always floating on a cloud after,” he said. “Shirley has the ability to pick us up and set us straight.”
