Pair Recognized for 'Dedication to Middlefield'

Two life-long Middlefield residents were recognized at the Nov. 22 Board of Selectman meeting for their years of service to the town.

Mary Beth Johnson, who served as selectman for six years beginning in Nov. 2005, was honored for "leaving a legacy of deep and profound patriotism."

“In presenting this citation the citizens of Middlefield and Rockfall do hereby recognize, commend and thank Mary for her dedicated service to the community while on the Board of Selectmen,” said First Selectman Jon Brayshaw.

Brayshaw presented Johnson with an American flag that had once flown over the town.

"It's absolutely a tremendous gift," said Johnson. "I am deeply touched and of course it was my pleasure to serve the town as a selectperson for the past six years and I'm really going to miss it."

Mary Hooper, Johnson's mother, was recognized for her "dedicated service" as as Town Treasurer, a position she'd held since 1999.

"Mary's professionalism, knowledge, accuracy and ability will be the guideline for all those who serve Middlefield as town treasurer in the future," Brayshaw said before presenting Hooper with a brick with her name on it that will be installed at the Peckham Park Pavilion.

"I'm very happy about the brick," Hooper said. "I really enjoyed my time at town hall. It’s always such a wonderful crew there, especially working with you Jon. I enjoyed it. If I wasn’t so old I would run again.”

While Hooper said she planned to stay in Middlefield, Johnson did not run for another term on the board because she is moving to Maine.

"Both have been stellar citizens and we thought that it would be appropriate to recognize their years of dedication," Brayshaw said.