Susan Stock - March 2, 2021 Recipient

This is the Fifth year of the Colleen Haag Public Service Award

Every Town Meeting, Shelburne recognizes one of its own who by their actions exemplify the spirit of public service, who shares their time, talent and energy for the betterment of our community, who inspires purpose, who drives lasting solutions, someone who makes a difference. We are blessed in Shelburne to have so many people who serve the public. During a normal year, we would ask that people who work or volunteer for the town stand and be recognized. 

This year, I will simply say thank you to the town employees and those that serve on Shelburne’s 26 committees, commissions and boards. I especially want to thank the members of Shelburne Fire and Rescue, who selflessly exposed themselves to a new risk—a biological hazard—in their duties during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Thank you all for your service. 

I also want to thank Lisa Merrill and last year’s Haag Award winner Gail Albert for serving on the Haag Award Team. This is a very difficult and extremely humbling task. We received many fine candidates this year.

The 2021 Haag Award nominees included:   Pat Anderson, Peggy Coutu, Paul Goodrich, Roz Graham, Joplin James, Michael and Valerie Woods Lewis and Dorothea Penar.  Thank you for your notable service.

I also want to thank those who nominated you. Your input is greatly appreciated buy the team. 

It is my pleasure to announce that this year’s Colleen Haag Public Service Award winner is Susan Stock. 

•    Susan has been chair of the Shelburne Food Shelf for the past 3 years.

•    Prior to that she was Vice Chair. 

She was nominated by Food Shelf Board of Directors. 

Here’s what they had to say:

•    After Val Martel passed away, Susan was a part of the creation of the current Food Shelf 

•    Susan spearheaded the “Food that’s in when School is out” program. This program ensures that children have breakfast and lunch during school breaks and throughout the summer. 

•    Susan has planned meals, worked with the school, and coordinated distribution for this program. 

•    She has fostered relationships with businesses and organizations for the benefit of the Food Shelf, including working with the Rotary Club to ensure shoppers have turkeys and hams during the holidays.

•    Susan has led the board through many changes during the pandemic. 

•    Throughout this difficult year, they adapted to change and overcame obstacles to provide food to our fellow residents in need. 

•    Susan’s caring attitude helps those in need feel comfortable. She gets to know the shoppers, she asks how they are doing, asks about their family, their job (or their job searches). She is genuine.

•    Susan is a model of servant leadership who has inspired her board members to serve with empathy, selflessness, and humility.

Speaking of humility: When I called Susan to tell her she was chosen for the award, she said: “that’s not necessary. Something needed to be done, so I did it.”  I was speechless! We’ve never had anyone refuse the award before! 

Well, after a little coaxing, she relented.  Thank you for your service, Susan.