Community Corner
Barrington Volunteers Get Day in Sun
The first Volunteer Appreciation Night recognizes more than 125 volunteers who serve on boards, commissions and other committees in Barrington.
Louis Codega has been giving back to Barrington for more than 50 years.
The Barrington native – he was born across the street from the Town Hall – was recognized early Wednesday evening as the volunteer with the most years of service.
Codega was just one of scores of volunteers who were honored by the town on the first Volunteer Appreciation Night in the Barrington High School cafeteria.
Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I love to give back to the town,” said Codega, who is active in the United Veterans Council. You might recognize him for his wreath-laying ability. He has served on the Cemetery Commission, the Charter Review Committee, school survey committees, and other boards.
Codega was not the only volunteer to get special recognition. Douglas Materne was cited for being the longest continuous active volunteer appointed by the Town Council – since 1974.
Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
All the volunteers received special pins to wear on their shirts or lapels. They enjoyed burgers and hot dogs and watermelon and summer salads and strawberry shortcake. The high school jazz band played background music.
Town Councilor Cynthia Coyne, who came up with the idea to recognize the volunteers with a special night and who organized the event, said: “Their time is valuable. We need to recognize that. It also gives them a chance to meet one another and enjoy each other’s company.”
Volunteers who have served the town for more than 10 years also were recognized with certificates. Here they are in alphabetical order and the year they started volunteering:
- Robert Alley, 2001
- Claire Boyes, 1995
- David Boyes, 2002
- Peter Dennehy, 1999
- Paul Dennis, 1997
- Bob Dillon, 1989
- Cynthia Fuller, 2000
- Richard Greenwood, 2001
- Mark Hanchar, 1987
- Nelson Hawkins, 1996
- Ed Ionata, 2000
- Allan Klepper, 1989
- Tom Kraig, 1991
- John MacIntyre, 1995
- Ed McKinlay, 1999
- Michael Seward, 1997
- Joe Schall, 1986
- Peter Shaw, 2000
- Sarah Small, 1991
- Robert Stillings, 2001
- Ann Strong, 1997
- Tim Sweetser, 1993
- Steve Thurston, 1995
- Larry Trim, 1998
- Frederick Watson, 1997
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
