This issue of The Puddledock Press is dedicated to the memory of Roger Belanger or Rog-B as most knew him. Roger recently passed away after a period of declining health at age 71.
It has been said that the typical date of birth, dash, date of death is misleading. The dash is such a small symbol for a life. Rog- B's life was that of a very dedicated person. He was dedicated to his family, church, community and this publication.
He started at the Press in advisory capacity and of course, that was not enough so he began to work with the staff at every meeting, finding old stories, setting up the pages, laying out the stories, delivering the paper and more. In the months that Rog was not well and unable to help, this staff realized how much he contributed and how he was missed!
When not working on the Puddledock, Rog was active with St. Peter's Church where he was recently honored with a plaque from his church "family". He assisted with the Interfaith-food Pantry. He was recognized with a Community Achievement Award and was the Puddledock Press Person of the Year in 1987. The Farmington Historical Society had him present programs on Farmington history several times and of course his famous political collection was featured at the Goodwin Library on occasion.
Perhaps more than -the awards, we would like to think he enjoyed the waves, hellos, and thank-you's from many, many people who knew him as he walked around town sprucing up our comrmunity He will be missed.
There is a country store in town that his been here since approximately 1900. Eighty-six years ago; Ma,. Pa, Junior and Sally could have walked into this store and been greeted by friendly and soft-hearted "Mr. Owner" He would have supplied Ma with her cooking staples and Pa with his tobacco or cigar, and I Just bet Junior and Sally would have left with a smile , compliments of "Mr Owner" who had Just given
them each a candy stick.
The scene has not changed much today at Varney's Market aside from the products family members might purchase. For example, Pa probably steps in for a pack of cigarettes and a rack of beer. Ma picks up her instant potatoes & microwave veggies. Junior and Sally, their rock magazines & diet soda and chances are they might still leave with a smile, compli-ments of Mr Dick Nichols, Proprietor, who had Just given them each a fruit roll-up.
Mr. Nichols, a native of Mass, brought his wife & family to Farmington nine years ago. Looking for an Independent and quieter way of life , they bought the store and started their business and new way of life.
Well-known to children and dogs for his soft heart and tasty treats, he is the perfect reflection of the"Mr.Owner" character. He stocks a variety of items that meet the needs of everyday life, making it convenient for residents to shop in town rather than travel to a grocery store out of town, especially for those who have no transportation.
Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are happy residents of Farmington, who enjoy the people and simple living of a small town, which In turn makes doing business at Varney's Market an enjoyable experience.
These photos are stored together. They are from different periods of time. Last pulled together for possible use in August 1986.
FHS-Kyle Leach
The First Annual Puddledock Press Man & Woman of the Year contest was certainly a great success. With the choices, you, the voters, have made, we have two well -deserving public worthies reigning for this
year. Man of the Year, John Nolan, is well known within the commun-ity for his work with our youngsters. His dedication has given kids innovative programs suited for healthy development, which is vital in the growth into productive and responsible adults. Also, John's work in the community as a whole has shown the system of civic input as one way of concerned residents making a difference in the change or improvement of their town.
Woman of the Year, Phyllis Kuligowski, is also active in community affairs. After twenty-one years of service to the Goodwin Library , Phyllis is retiring. She has been instrumental in the growth and up-
dating of our Public Library and has instituted such programs as the Children's Reading Hour and the annual Art Exhibition. Phyllis is currently holding an office in the New Durham and Farmington Histori-
cal Society along with Deaconess of the Congregational Church in town As a co-worker states, "Phyllis is involved in many organizations,but
does not advertise her civic commitments," She is dedicated and me-ticulous in every endeavor she may fortake, yet, she prefers to re-main "unsung".
We The Puddledock Staff, would like to congratulate John and Phyllis and thank YOU, the public, for participating!
Better known as "Brownie" by most of the
townspeople, Sgt. Brown first joined the
police department back in 196^, as a
part-time police officer. Four years
later he became a full-time officer, and
finally was promoted to his present rank.
having 22 years in this department, we
asked Sgt. Brown to talk about some of
the changes that have taken place. "Law
enforcement itself has changed over the
years," he said, "as well as the depart-
ment. We have grown from a 2 man depart-
ment to the present, which consists of 8
full-tine officers, 11 specials and two
dispatchers."
The safety of all our citizens is a main
concern of Sgt. Brown's, especially the
children who walk to and from school each
day. It is for this reason that he would
like to see a new sidewalk installed a-
long School Street, so the kids will no
longer have to walk in the road.