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| The
River Reporter Thursday, May 24, 2001.
Monticello Masons honor police chief Michael Brennan and Head Start director Bertha Williams for community service
MONTICELLO - Monticello police chief Michael Brennan received the DeWitt Clinton Award for community service in a Masonic awards program held on May 12th. At an event hosted by Monticello Lodge #532 at the Elks Lodge, the award was presented by John P. Wells on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons in the State of New York. Chief Brennan was honored by the Masons primarily for his volunteer work at Monticello Housing Authority with at-risk youth, according to James Wall of Fosterdale, the worshipful master of Monticello Lodge. In his response to the award, Brennan recalled his career in police work and community service. He called receipt of the Clinton Award "the high point of my career." A 1969 graduate of Eldred Central School, Mr. Brennan began as a police officer in March 1972 and was appointed chief in August 1993. He has been credited with diversifying the rank and file of the police department and reducing crime through community policing programs. Bertha Williams of South Fallsburg was presented the Douglas MacArthur Award for distinguished service to youth in a Masonic awards program held on May 12th. At an event hosted by Monticello Lodge #532 at the Elks Lodge, the award was presented by John P. Wells on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons in the State of New York. Mrs. Williams started with Head Start in 1965, as parent/school service coordinator and social worker, and served as director from 1970 to 1976. She left Sullivan County to direct a Head Start program in Newburgh, but returned to her old position in 1982 and has remained her since. In his response to the award, Mrs. Williams spoke of her love for children and her passion for providing them early opportunities for learning. In connection with the award, Mr. Brennan and Mrs. Williams were presented with a blank $50 check from the Masons, to benefit a charity of each of their choosing. County court judge Burton Ledina spoke on the theme of "building community" using symbols of Freemasonry to illustrate principles of human character. Monticello mayor Gary Sommers congratulated Mr. Brennan and read a proclamation issued by Sen. John Bonacic commending the chief on the achievements of his career. Thompson town council member Stewart "Peppy" Satenstein attended the event on behalf of Congressman Ben Gilman, and presented Mr. Brennan with a certificate of merit. Sean Hanofee, district administrator for Assemblyman Jacob Gunther, presented certificates on behalf of Gunther and also Congressman Maurice Hinchey. The event was attended by about 60 people. Left-over refreshments were donated to the Recovery Center of Monticello, according to Tom Rue, the program's organizer and senior warden of the lodge.
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© 1985-2006, Tom Rue. All rights reserved.
