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Dinneen honored by Taghhannuck Grange

SHARON — Celebrating 130 years of service to the farming community and beyond, the Taghhannuck Grange in Sharon awarded its 2019 Citizen of the Year certificate at a community supper on Thursday, May 23.

The annual award recognizes a non-Granger who serves the community over a lifetime.

The truly surprised honoree this year was William Dinneen of Cornwall, who was treated to speeches describing in detail why he deserved the honor.

Mark Burdick, co-chairman of the agricultural education program at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, praised Dinneen’s unflagging service as an honest, dependable supporter of agriculture. The Rev. Robert Pohl, pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Cornwall, described Dinneen as humble, quiet and spiritual.

“Bill’s love for the town is apparent,” said Gordon Ridgway, first selectman of Cornwall. He cited Dinneen’s quiet but effective leadership of the annual Cornwall Agricultural Fair as “finding the common ground among people.”

Dinneen is the father of two and the grandfather of three.

Lakeville Journal

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