STERLING – Mark your calendar for April 27.
That is officially Richard Maki Day in the town of Sterling.
Maki has been involved in many levels of town government as a volunteer, and members of the Select Board honored him with a proclamation at their April 10 meeting.
Chair Maureen Cranson noted that “veteran volunteer” Maki is “finally and deservedly stepping back from his volunteer duties.”
The litany of committees and boards includes the Economic Development Committee, Senior Center Design and Building Committees, Montachusett Area Regional Transit, Montachusett Regional Planning Committee, Cable Advisory Board and the Sterling Lancaster Cable TV. He also has been involved in the beach renovations and serves as a photographer for many events.
The proclamation read: “This man is deserving of the town’s greatest appreciation.” Many in attendance also voiced their thanks for Maki’s volunteerism. They include Jim Patacchiola of the Economic Development Committee, Shari Gonsorcik of the Recreation Department, Matt Downing of SLTV, and other residents and officials.
While it was stated it was “not a eulogy,” Greg Billings, of SLTV, said he was glad because “no way is this a eulogy; you’re the ‘Energizer Bunny.’”
Cranson noted she started serving on boards and commissions with Maki 14 years ago, and “he is the total opposite of me. He is calm and intuitive … .”
She was interrupted by someone in the crowd yelling out “and quiet,” but she corrected him, saying, “until he has something to say.”
Maki thanked everyone gathered, adding the proclamation was “a total surprise to me.”
