The Mendon Council on Aging would like to thank everyone who submitted nominations for this year’s Senior Citizen of the Year award. Since 1978, a deserving person (or persons) has been awarded the annual distinction. The chosen Mendon resident, age 60 or older, generally exemplifies a spirit of public service and has made a positive difference in the community.

The Council is pleased to announce that this year Anne Mazar has been chosen. Anne Mazar is the Community Preservation Committee and Land Use Committee Chair. She has enjoyed working collaboratively with the people on these committees for many years. She organized to have Mendon adopt the Community Preservation Act in 2004 and has since managed CPA bringing millions of dollars into the town through state matching funds, private donations, and various grants. Projects have included preserving land, improving recreational facilities, restoring historical buildings and working towards providing affordable homes in Mendon.  

In 2010, she worked to designate Mendon a Green Community improving the energy efficiency in town buildings, saving over $500,000 through energy savings and grants. With her direction, Mendon became an MVP Community, renovating the Town Hall Campus landscape and incorporating low-impact development practices into the town bylaws. Anne has also served on Mendon’s Economic Development Committee.

Anne has happily lived in Mendon since 1987 with her husband Brian and three children, Jake, Jessie and Casey. She has two grandchildren with a third one on the way!

Robin Fletcher, who was Senior of the Year in 2014, said of Mazar, “A beautiful woman with brilliant ideas, as well as civic responsibility! Great choice, though I was stunned that she is considered a senior!” 

Please join us in congratulating Anne and plan to attend the annual Senior Citizen Day sponsored by the Mendon Lions Club. The event, scheduled for Sunday, September 8, at 11:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Church of Mendon/Uxbridge, 13 Maple Street, Mendon, is a time to honor all senior citizens. Please call 508-478-6175 or stop by the senior center to register for this event.