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| By Natasha Clark Assistant Managing Editor EAST LONGMEADOW - Jim and Sandy Davis have been selected as the 2007 East Longmeadow Lions Club Distinguished Citizens of the Year. The duo are contributors to town boards, committees and historical preservation. Known for their dedication and commitment, Sandy said she was "totally surprised and thrilled" to learn of their nomination. The Davis' are natives of East Longmeadow and feel a duty to serve their community. "I think because both of us were born and brought up here in town we just feel as if that is part of our joy and responsibility," Sandy shared. Sandy and Jim, like other donors, have also been able to visually witness the fruits of their labor, with The Norcross House. As First Founders, they committed to donating $400 to $1,600 per year for the first five years of the Norcross mortgage fund. "That was very exciting and we're just hoping that more people will come forward. It needs money to continue," she added. Parents of two children, Christine Callahan and T/Sgt. Brian Davis, Sandy and Jim have four grandchildren (two boys and two girls). Below is the official nomination letter submitted by Judie Wiezbicki. *** There is no fanfare, nor banners flying when this couple arrives at an event, usually because they have arrived well before anyone else. They will have been there to organize the event, take the reservations, set-up and decorate the hall and greet the guests. They will also be among the last to leave after cleaning up and putting everything in order. This quiet, unassuming couple represents the roots of our community, the unsung citizens that continuously give their time and energy to make the organizations and activities of our town work. It is because of their many quiet contributions to our town that I nominate Sandy and Jim Davis as the East Longmeadow Lions Club Citizens of the Year. Both Sandy and Jim grew up in East Longmeadow and have been a part of the fabric of our community all of their lives. They have raised their children here and their grandchildren are being raised here, too. Jim, a talented cabinetmaker, established his business in this town and played an active role in the business community. Jim is a member of the Lions Club and both he and Sandy have regularly participated in the Lions' blood donor program as well as participating in all Lions-sponsored activities. They are sponsors of the East Longmeadow Schools Alumni Group and contribute their time every year to organizing the gathering. Sandy has been the contact person and taker of reservations for several years. The Davises are also very active in their church. We have all seen Jim dangling lights from a pole on a blustery December day, decorating the town Christmas tree or with hammer in hand, assembling the church creche. Both Sandy and Jim have served on the East Longmeadow Historical Commission. Sandy was secretary for several years and Jim has served and continues to serve as treasurer. They have been a part of its preservation, fund-raising, house cleaning, building, hosting, even house moving activities for years. Jim served on the founding committee of the Norcross Center. He has continuously served on the Board of Directors and as treasurer of that organization. He and Sandy are First Founders who have contributed substantially to the mortgage fund. They have supported the activities of the Norcross Center devotedly, thoroughly and quietly. Never needing to be asked, they see a need, roll up their sleeves and do the job. They are two of the unsung heroes of society, those people that society could not function without. It is time that we finally sing their praises. The Recognition Dinner is scheduled for May 9 at the Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow. |