To the Editor:

On behalf of the Berne Town Board, I cordially invite you to attend a Salute to Phyllis Johnson on July 22 at 5 p.m. in the pavilion at the Berne Town Park.

Phyllis Johnson has been a dedicated and long-serving volunteer to many civic organizations in Berne. Whether directing traffic, fighting fires, serving meals, sharing ideas, or simply helping make decisions, her unflagging dedication to these organizations has enhanced and enriched them all.

Her ongoing commitment and outstanding support has improved the lives of many children and families in Berne as a consequence.

As you may know, Phyllis was recently diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening illness. The town of Berne would like to express its heartfelt thanks for her dedication and caring commitment  to our community.

She is a current commissioner of the Berne Fire District, a Helderberg Senior Services Board member, the author of a senior column in The Altamont Enterprise, a member of the Helderberg Ambulance, and a regular volunteer for the Friends of the Library among a myriad of other memberships. Writer, raconteur, genius of esoteric detail, Phyllis is an amalgam cobbled into a person of distinction.

We hope you will join us in this salute to Phyllis. It will be a light-hearted gathering of friends and neighbors, celebrating her life with funny stories, and humorous incidents that exemplify her wry sense of humor and strength of character. Awards, certificates of gratitude, and other forms of appreciation honoring her contributions would be welcome.

Phyllis has given freely of her time and talents. We welcome the opportunity to express our gratitude for all she has done for Berne and its residents.

James Cook

Kevin Crosier

Joe Golden

Dawn G. Jordan

Karen Schimmer

Member, Berne Town Board