Turley Publications photos by Ruth M. Lyon

 

Richard ÒDickieÓ Fiske receives his Community Citizen Award from Alfred M. Randall, Grange Master

 

 

Richard ÔDickieÕ Fiske receives Grange Award

 

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

 

NEW BRAINTREE Ð Richard ÒDickieÓ Fiske, known widely as a humanitarian and all around good citizen, has been named Community Citizen by New Braintree Grange No. 170, in a ceremony attended by Massachusetts state Senator Stephen M. Brewer, Massachusetts State Representative Ann M. Gobi, and Grange and town officials.

In a presentation by Alfred M. Randall, Master, Fiske was recognized for his generous ÒHeart to HeartÓ program, which annually provides funding amounting to thousands of dollars to families of children with terminal or life-threatening diseases.

Fiske presents entertaining musical and comedy programs in various venues throughout local communities, often performing with his justly famous ÒKorn KobsÓ band; all proceeds are given to his Heart to Heart fund.

Additionally, he performs yard work and other chores to assist with funding for the charity. Or, he says, ÒSometimes I just mow the lawn because the person who lives there canÕt afford to pay.Ó

Fiske, who lives with his wife in North Brookfield, is a well known figure in town, where he still may swing a baseball bat in a local game. He was known as an outstanding player in his youth.

Brewer and Gobi added their words of praise and appreciation to the words of Randall.

All thanked Fiske for his continuing work.

Fiske modestly accepted the award, and said as always on such occasions, ÒI wish I could do more.Ó

ÒWe are proud to know this man. He is an example to us all,Ó Randall said.

Member recognition awards were given to (posthumously) Hermann G. Patt Jr, a Grange member for 80 years; Georgia L. Briggs, 70 years; Herbert L. Pollard (posthumously) 65 years; Florence G. Thompson 55 years; and Thomas F. Severance, 55 years.

Congratulatory remarks by family and friends were followed by musical entertainment by the Tri-Parish Bell Choir; a refreshments and fellowship hour closed the program.