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On Tuesday, July 15, state Sen. Jo Comerford (left) and state Rep. Sussannah Whipps present Geoffrey Newton with resolutions honoring his many years of service to Royalston as an EMT, building inspector and volunteer. -
On Tuesday, July 15, state Sen. Jo Comerford (left) and state Rep. Sussannah Whipps present Geoffrey Newton with resolutions honoring his many years of service to Royalston as an EMT, building inspector and volunteer. -
Geoffrey Newton (far left) was recognized for his five decades of service to Royalston on July 15.
ROYALSTON – “Your commitment, not just to the town, but to the people who live in this town, is something that people will remember for generations to come.”
The man to whom state Rep. Sussanah Whipps was directing her comment was longtime Royalston Building Inspector and firefighter Geoffrey “Geoff” Newton. At the July 15 Selectboard meeting, Newton was honored by state and local officials for his years as building inspector, firefighter and volunteer on different initiatives to benefit the community.
Whipps, state Sen. Jo Comerford, the full Selectboard, friends, and members of the Newton family attended the meeting to honor the man who has spent more than five decades in service to Royalston.
Whipps and Comerford presented Newton with resolutions passed by the House and Senate, respectively, honoring Newton for his service. Selectboard Chair Bill Chapman gave Newton a resolution from the board thanking him for all he has done for the town and declaring Wednesday, July 15, Geoffrey Newton Day in the Town of Royalston.
“We wish you very much success in the future, which I hope includes sitting back, enjoying life, enjoying family,” Whipps said. “Every community needs people like you. You’ve been incredibly valuable and we are all so grateful for you. We hope that people learn from your example to participate in the life of their community.”
“Both Rep. Whipps and I believe that there is actually nothing harder in government than municipal service,” added Comerford. “There’s nothing harder. Federal and state – we’re partners and work together as partners on behalf of Royalston. But when you get to the level where you’re helping your neighbors, and you take on that work and service and do it for decades, that takes time and it takes grit and it takes the kind of heart that few people have.”
Chapman, reading from the resolution presented to Newton, highlighted the many services he has provided the town since the mid-70s. As an EMT, Chapman read, “(Newton) responded to medical emergencies with skill, speed, and compassion, often arriving at some of the most critical and vulnerable moments in people’s lives.”
In addition to Newton’s years as building inspector, Chapman cited his work organizing the town’s celebration of America’s Bicentennial in 1976, as well as the 225th and 250th anniversaries of Royalston’s incorporation. Newton, noted the resolution, also served for a time as a Boy Scout leader and on the Conservation Commission.
“His commitment to the community and public service,” read Chapman, “has left a lasting legacy.”
Keith Newton, who was both fire chief and public works director prior to his retirement several years ago, said he looked up to his older brother Geoff as a role model.
“He cleared the way for me,” he said, “and I just wanted to recognize him for that.”
Newton retired last year after 42 years in the building inspector’s office. He also served as Winchendon’s building inspector, beginning in 2016, after serving in the same capacity for the Town of Phillipston from 2004 to 2012.
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.