Submitted by Selectman Catherine Cordes
Remarks presented at Old Town Hall on September 28, 2012
It is my pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate Our Newest Citizen of the Year Roberta “Bobbie” Ennis. Bobbie, I have talked to many of your close friends. Everyone says you are the willing and capable organizer, always ready to step in when something needs doing and do it, always working for the good of the town. Your generosity with you time and many talents is as legendary and receiving the Dedicated and Distinguished Service award from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in 2008 and being Miss Maine USA in 1957!
I am not going to list every committee and organization you have been involved in because you have been involved in so many ways in the town. It’s easier to list what you haven’t done – it seems you haven’t been involved in the Bedford Center for the Arts or Cable Television yet, so you now know who will be calling you tomorrow.
The Council on Aging loves you. You served on space needs committee after space needs committee to help design the Town Center and make sure that COA has a place they can be proud of. They do! And then you volunteered for the COA board and have served it for over 15 years. You have touched the lives of all Bedford Seniors and we are grateful.
Your school involvement spans the decades you have been in town from PTAs to Bedford Athletic Association. I understand your house looked like Marshall’s when the teams crowded in to get their jackets when you and Lou served as co-presidents.You served on School Committee and Building Committees; not just when your children were in school but long after. You have touched the lives of so many of our children. You told Caroline when she was in school, “I’m going to make the schools better for you and your friends.” You did – and we are all grateful.
You understand and exemplify the word “community.” You know how to build it, how to nourish it and to preserve it. Whether it’s a small community of friends playing cards, or buying stocks or wearing Red Hats; whether you were organizing Thanksgiving Dinners at the Legion, the Santa Program Drop Off Day and town-wide parties through Public Ceremonies – you know how to have fun. I understand you have even been known to do a little belly dancing in your day to keep the party lively. You have touched all our lives and we are grateful.
Everyone needs support to make things happen – and while you were often the spark, you would be the first to admit you did not do it alone. You have always shared to credit and the limelight willingly with those who serve with you and those who support you. With 5 children at home, Lou was always there for them – and for you – when you had meetings out at night. And I hear your mom often sent you home from visits with lots of great Greek food so you didn’t have to cook. The Town of Bedford is thankful to all your family for sharing you with all of us.
Your daughter Caroline said you told her that all you have done has been “for the good of the town.” She said they are all super proud of you and she added “I get it and I totally appreciate it!” We all appreciate it Bobbie.
Citizens of all ages have benefitted from your devotion and enthusiasm for the Town of Bedford. You have certainly made your mark here, your work will be valued for years to come. You are most deserving of the Citizen of the Year honor.
Cathy Cordes
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