Theresse and Joseph Dunn got quite the surprise earlier this month. Regulars at the Montville Senior Center, they weren’t about to miss a free meal and a chance to catch up with friends and neighbors at the annual luncheon honoring the town’s older residents.
What they didn’t expect was to be named the special honorees this year by the Montville Senior and Social Services as it observed Older Americans Month. On Friday, May 9, the Town named them special honorees of the month.
“Older Americans Month is a time to honor our seniors for their contributions to our country, our community, and our lives,” said Kathleen Doherty-Peck, director of Montville Senior and Social Services. “Theresse and Joe certainly represent that.”
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy declared May as Older Americans Month, as the National Council of Senior Citizens wanted to do something to honor and draw attention to the needs of people 65 and older. It’s become an annual ritual across the country for communities to honor their oldest residents and life-long contributors.
Montville has recognized its seniors for years, Doherty-Peck said. Five years ago, she started naming a town honoree and recognizing them at the luncheon, which is made possible by donations from several area businesses and organizations. This was the first year a couple has been honored.
The Dunns, who live on Podurgiel Lane in Uncasville, will celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary on June 23. Theresse, who was born in Canada, one of 13 children. She came to this country not speaking English and grew up in Norwich. She became a U.S. citizen on May 21, 1957. Joe is retired, after working at EB for 37 years.
Joe also was a World War II veteran, serving in the military from Feb. 1943 until Feb. 1946. He received many recognitions for his service, including Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & Bronze Star Attachment, WWII Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Marksman Badge and Riffle Bar.
Doherty-Peck also cited New Military Commemorative Medals to honor Joe’s Service: the Combat Service, American Defense, WWII D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, Overseas Service, US Army Service, Present Time, Army Occupation Japan, Marksman with Riffle, Enlisted Artillery w/ US as well as Overseas Bars, 8th Army Patch, 97th Division Patch, and Corporal Stripes.
In addition to raising their family, Doherty-Peck said the Dunns are known around the center for their volunteer efforts.
“For years, Theresse taught country and western line dancing at the senior center,” Doherty-Peck said. “That’s certainly contributed to the health and well-being of our seniors.”
She also has done all of the center’s decorations for years.
“Theresse goes all out, with her time and own money, and does the entire center,” Doherty-Peck said. “If you’ve ever been here, you’ve seen that she changes them for every holiday.”
Doherty-Peck also thanked Joe for doing his share of dishes in the center’s kitchen and helped out at the grill at many a barbeque.
“It was quite a surprise for them to be honored,” Doherty-Peck said, admitting that her favorite part of the senior luncheon is the anticipation leading up to the special honorees and the surprise on the recipients’ faces and to see their friends and family members walk in. More than 100 of the town’s seniors took part in the event.
For more information about Montville Senior Center activities, go to www.townofmontville.org.