Four residents added to Vernon Wall of Honor

Ben Crnic, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read
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Jun. 24—VERNON — Four residents have been added to the Volunteer Wall of Honor in recognition of their many years of volunteer service to the town.

The four inductees are John Leary, Jean Luddy, Robert Hurd, and S. Ardis Abbot. The group was honored at Tuesday's Town Council meeting.

Mayor Dan Champagne said Tuesday that the four have collectively contributed around 190 years of service to the town.

WALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES

John Leary

Jean Luddy

S. Ardis Abbott

Robert Hurd

"When the wall is filled, it'll be a minimum of 10,000 hours," Champagne added.

Leary was recognized Tuesday for 30 years of volunteer service to the town, including tenures on the Building Code Board of Appeals, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Permanent Municipal Building Commission.

Leary also served as Chairman of the School Building Advisory Board for 11 years, helping to guide the town through a $68 million school renovation project funded by referendum in 2005.

"John is recognized for his strong leadership, open-minded approach and his ability to bring groups together," Champagne said Tuesday.

Luddy was recognized Tuesday for her service with the town's Historical Society, which she joined in 1986. During her 36 years with them, she directed the organization's museum, produced multiple video presentations, and led third grade classes on walking tours of historical sites.

"Jean's knowledge of the history of our town is incredible," Champagne said, adding, "administration has called on her for a number of historical questions and she has given us the historical perspective on many issues."

Hurd was also honored for his volunteer work with the Historical Society, and has served on the organization's executive board since 1983. He has also served on the Historic Properties Commission since 1987, which preserves historic architecture in town.

In addition to this service, Hurd also served on the Town Council from 1977 to 1982.

At Tuesday's council meeting, Hurd said he hopes his work with the town has made a difference.

The final inductee to the Wall of Honor on Tuesday was S. Ardis Abbott, another member of the Historical Society who joined in January 1980. Abbott received the "ultimate appointment" of Town Historian in August 1988 and continues to serve in this position today, Champagne said.

"For over 42 years she has worked in the community to preserve our history and teach our history to those who are willing and interested," Champagne said, adding that she has been called upon to give lectures on town history and has also written books on the subject.

Abbott also served a two-year term on the Town Council from 1981 to 1983.

Ben covers Vernon and Stafford for the Journal Inquirer.