KENT, Conn.—A brief reception honoring former resident John Grant’s long service to the town was held at town hall Monday, Oct. 6.
Grant, who moved to the town in 2014, was an energetic volunteer who, at the time of his move to the Boston area to be closer to family, was serving on the Kent Board of Education, the Republican Town Committee and the Park and Recreation Commission. He was vice president of the latter and chaired its Emery Park subcommittee.
State Senator Stephen Harding attended the ceremony, which Grant attended via Zoom from his new home. He presented a citation from the General Assembly honoring Grant’s work with the various agencies.
Republican Town Committee Chairman Lynn Harrington, who spearheaded the recognition, said, “[John], we are all here to thank you for your dedication and hard work on the different boards and committees in the Town of Kent. We appreciate all you have done. To thank you, the RTC voted to send a $100 donation in your name to Tunnels to Towers.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a non-profit organization that honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller, who died during rescue efforts on September 11, 2001.
Harrington also presented a plaque honoring the legacy of late first selectman Maureen Brady, who died last February. Brady’s career in town government began while serving for 14 years as administrative assistant to the first selectman and clerk to the Board of Selectman. Then, in 1986, she was elected the first woman first selectman in town, a position she held until 1992.
“As most of you know, Maureen Brady was a loyal, dedicated member of the Kent Republican Town Committee,” Harrington told her audience. “Not only that, but she was also an integral part of our town, being the first woman selectman. … Recently, the Republican Town Committee voted to honor her as an honorary member. This plaque will hang in the Registrars of Voters’ office as a token of our appreciation for all she has done.”
