Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Reminder Assistant Editor AGAWAM In honor of their outstanding contributions to the community and steadfast adherence to Democratic ideals, the Agawam Democratic Committee will be honoring two residents later this month. Joseph Fitzpatrick, a member of the Agawam Housing Authority, will be given the Lifetime Achievement Award and State Rep. Rosemary Sandlin will be honored with the Democrat of the Year award at the committee's annual fundraiser at Chez Joseph on Oct. 19. Corinne Wingard, chair of the Agawam Democratic Committee, explained that Fitzpatrick and Sandlin were chosen because they "respond to the needs of everyday people." "Joe is just always there for whatever needs to be done [within the committee]," Wingard said. "He is a consistent presence . someone you can rely on to be an active supporter of the Democratic Town Committee." Wingard explained that Sandlin was chosen as Democrat of the Year because she "quickly and without fanfare meets the needs of her constituents." When asked how he felt about being honored by the committee, Fitzpatrick said, "I'm pleasantly surprised and honored to be chosen." He explained that he has been a member of the Agawam Democratic Committee since the 1980s and has committed himself to working as hard as he can on behalf of Democratic candidates and the committee. In an interview with Reminder Publications, Sandlin said she was was "thrilled" to be named Democrat of the Year. Sandlin noted that she has been a member of the Agawam Democratic Committee since she was 18 years old and has supported democratic ideals such as "equality for all" during her 22 years of service as a School Committee member and as a freshman State Representative. She said that during her first term of service in the State Legislature she is most proud of lobbying for a 35-foot buffer zone around abortion and counseling clinics so that protestors preaching pro-life ideals could not follow those seeking services. Kathy Arnold, secretary of the Agawam Democratic Committee, explained that Fitzpatrick and Sandlin will be given a placard honoring their achievements at the fundraiser brunch, which begins at 10:30 a.m. She noted that this is the committee's largest annual fundraiser proceeds go toward student scholarships for Agawam High School seniors as well as promoting Democratic candidates during elections. Tickets for the brunch are $25 per person. For more information about the brunch or for tickets call Wingard at 786-9467 or Arnold at 786-1285. | ||||||
