http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/marita-johnson-springfield%E2%80%99s-2011-citizen-year
Marita Johnson: Springfield’s 2011 Citizen of the Year.
Submitted by VT Journal on Wed, 03/21/2012 - 10:15am
SPRINGFIELD, VT -The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 23rd Annual Citizen of the Year award was presented to Marita Johnson at the Chamber Annual Meeting and Dinner held recently at the Historic Hartness House Inn.
Marita Johnson, well know throughout the community for her many contributions to various organizations and causes, is described by one nominator, as “a “do-er” not just a talker; when she sees something that needs to be done in her community she does it quietly and without fanfare.”
After retiring from 35 years of teaching at Riverside Middle School, Marita has continued to teach in her community, by filming many, many activities for SAPA-TV; the filming of Osher Lifelong Learning programs, the B-29 Bomber crashsight in Weathersfield, Crown Point Road travels, activities for the Springfield 250th Celebration to name a few.
Marita’s many accomplishments include; the North Springfield Bog, which she was instrumental in creating in 1970 and continues to be involved with the ongoing efforts of maintaining and educating the public on the Bog.
Springfield’s 250th Anniversary Celebration: Marita was responsible for the creation of the 18th month historical calendar as well as in the planning and implementing many of the activities of the summer long celebration including the Fair Day, the Historical Cemetery walks, auto tours and of course the filming of many events.
Marita was a founding Board member responsible, for the programs, set-up and liaison, for the Osher –UVM Lifelong Learning Series and currently is the Chair of the program series.
The Miller Art Center has enjoyed the efforts of Marita as she helped restore the gardens as well as assisting with maintenance of the property.
As a member of the Springfield Garden Club, Marita has been historian, publicity chair, scholarship chair and has made herself available for any job that needed doing from planting and weeding to making wreaths for the annual Festival of the Trees.
Since 2002 Marita has worked with the Black River Action Team – BRAT, to bring awareness to the public of the importance of river cleanup and engaging persons of all ages to get involved in keeping our rivers clean and preserved for future generations.
As a member of Alpha Delta Kappa and the Retired Teachers Association Marita has continued her efforts of giving back by working on projects, filming for publicity and assisting in the groups many endeavors.
Congratulations to Marita Johnson, the 23rd Annual Citizen of the Year, who is a person who works tirelessly and continuously for the betterment of Springfield, and is a shining example for all to follow.
The Annual Citizen of the Year Award was instituted by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce in 1989 as a means of recognizing area residents for their contributions to the community over and above their respective career paths. Each year numerous nominations are received and selection committee is faced with the most difficult task of picking just one recipient. The goal each year is to select a person who has given of himself or herself to the betterment of the community.
Previous winners over the past 22 years have included: Don Gurney, Sr., Doug Priestly, Mary Perry, Paul Kendall, Puggy Lamphere, Marie Gelineau, Nora Swierczynski, Alan Pinders and last year’s recipient the Springfield Garden Club. This partial listing of winners is an example of the varied community participation by our winners and is a strong testament to the commitment of our residents to make a better community for all.
Great job!
ReplyDelete