On Dan Ensminger's Last Night, They Let Him Eat Cake

READING - On the last night following 38 years of service to the town of Reading, Dan Ensminger enjoyed a slice of cake with a heaping amount of praise.

Tuesday's meeting of the Reading Select Board was the last for Ensminger, who is not running for re-election April 2. Ensminger has been a member of the Board of Selectmen/Select Board for 15 years, the last term spanning 2013-19.

Board chair Andrew Friedmann turned over the gavel to John Halsey who spoke of the Ensminger's "timeless service" to the town. It started in 1981 with his work on the landfill and Walkers Brook Drive. He became a Town Meeting member in 1985 and was elected to the then named Board of Selectmen in 1989, where he served nine years. Halsey called his colleague "inspiring" and said "he's not afraid to ever take on a new task." Ensminger also worked on the Community Planning and Development Commission and the Reading Municipal Light Board.

When Halsey was done and other board members had added their thanks, Ensminger said he never did anything alone and added, "thanks Reading for the opportunity." Then there was cake, cookies, a watch, and a certificate. And then back to work.

Ensminger didn't receive the only certificate of thanks Tuesday. The Board also recognized the Reading Scholarship Foundation for its 50 years of helping students. The Foundation, which started in 1969, has given out close to $4 million to college-bound students. This year's awards will be presented May 29.