“She’s always been there for her community,” said Town of Montgomery Supervisor Brian Maher, adding that she is always the “first in line to raise her hand and say, ‘How can I be helpful?’”

Maher spoke of Dionne Boissard, who was recognized at the Montgomery Town Board meeting on Thursday as the Citizen of the Month.

Boissard serves on two town committees and is the co-chair of the Sacred Place of my Ancestors (SPOMA) Cemetery Committee, tasked with the revitalization and care of the 18th century African American cemetery located on Route 416. SPOMA is sponsoring a Wreath Laying Ceremony in honor of Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 13, which will be streamed live on Facebook at 11 a.m.

Boissard said she hasn’t been serving her community for recognition.

“The fact that I am here is because our country has had a lot of racial trauma over the past few months and a lot is on the line,” said Boissard.

She said she is happy to have a voice and the opportunity to make a difference, offer her expertise and be a part of the healing in her community.

“If being recognized for just being me, and caring and being a part of this community and having the leadership and us all coming together to heal, then I thank you all very, very much,” said Boissard.