Middleburgh Recognizes Legendary Volunteer

MIDDLEBURGH - Stanley France, a long-time volunteer sports instructor, holds a commemorative plaque alongside his wife.

MIDDLEBURGH - On Thursday morning, representatives from several towns gathered at the Middleburgh tennis courts to honor the volunteer service of Stanley France, a long-time resident.

Formerly the head of the Joint Youth Recreation Commission, which sees a collaborative effort between the Town and Village of Middleburgh, Broome, and Fulton, Mr. France has been committed to teaching kids about the joys of sports and getting outdoors.

To that end, he has volunteered to teach tennis lessons during July for the past forty five years, asking for nothing in return.

In order to honor that dedication, the JYRC showed up to surprise him during his lesson on Thursday with cake and refreshments.

Once everyone had gathered with snacks in hand, the Village of Middleburgh gave a short speech, saying “Through your time as the lead of the JYRC to your impeccable service and volunteer work, thank you, Stan.”

In commemoration, Mr. France was awarded the symbolic Key to the Village as well as a plaque that detailed his accomplishments, both of which he humbly accepted.

“It doesn’t seem like that many years,” he said, speaking on the last forty five years. “I just feel a little slower.”

“These kids have been fun, and I enjoy every one of them. It’s really nice to keep the small community program going,” he concluded.

Finally, members of the JYRC unveiled a brand-new bench that has a similar plaque inscribed on its back, thanking Mr. France for his service.

The bench, made from recycled plastics to last a durable lifetime without rot, will sit by the tennis courts for anyone to enjoy.

Once the celebrations drew to a close, Mr. France thanked everyone for the well wishes and got right back to teaching his tennis lesson, intent on staying on schedule.