John Harney to Receive Medfield Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award

John Harney is a 47-year resident of Medfield, and was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement award by Medfield resident and retired teacher Richard DeSorgher, who described Harney as “a shining example of the role of a citizen in society. Democracy is not a spectator sport, and without the John Harneys of this world, our government could not exist.”

Harney’s role as a Medfield civic leader began in 1978 as an elected member of the School Committee. From there, Harney served as a Medfield Selectman, joined a number of committees and boards involved with the site, was a 14-year member of the town’s Economic Development Committee and involved in Collective Bargaining Teams and the Solid Waste Committee.

DeSorgher noted that as selectman, Harney led the drive to save the Dwight-Derby House, and he also fought for the preservation of open space in Medfield.

“John led the drive at Town Meeting to purchase several parcels of land here in Medfield, including the Wheelock property, the Plain Street/Community Gardens land, and the Cronin/Wight Street property. He also fought hard to obtain the Route 27/Plain Street open space that was defeated at Town Meeting,” said DeSorgher.

DeSorgher noted, “Whether in my classroom, the newspapers, in the community, or at public meetings,  John Harney can be seen making democracy work. John speaks out on issues, popular or not, because he believes his cause is right and just. The result of John's volunteer and civic service is a better town of Medfield for all of our almost 13,000 residents.”

The Medfield Foundation volunteer award reception, sponsored by Rockland Trust, is open to the public, and nominees’ friends, members and colleagues are especially encouraged to attend. The event will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 18 at The Center at Medfield on Ice House Road. An official RSVP is not necessary, but for refreshment planning purposes, it would be helpful if anyone planning to attend could send an e-mail to mfivolunteeraward@gmail.com.