Residents crowded town hall during the Town of Montgomery’s November 27 meeting and showed their support for the latest Citizen of the Month nominee: Gail VanTassel, a resident who has served the community for over half a century.

Tammy VanTassel, Gail’s daughter-in-law, submitted a letter to the board highlighting Gail’s endeavors over the decades, including her tutoring, her donations to food pantries and banks, and her outreach to seniors.

“Since moving to the Town of Montgomery approximately 55 years ago, Gail has been an active member and volunteer in our community. Over the years, she has provided her trusting services to our local youth,” Tammy wrote. “She also has provided meals to our local senior community and is always willing to donate to our local food pantries, banks and provide communication to our homebound seniors. I feel that she has provided a solid foundation in her community and has always enabled others to build off of that.”

Ronald Feller, the town supervisor, thanked Gail and handed her a certificate and plaque commemorating all her hard work.

“I remember seeing you down at Little League with Junior over there,” Feller said, motioning to Gail’s son, Sergeant John VanTassel. “I think it’s a testament to you and your family that here we have by far the biggest showing we’ve ever had for a Citizen of the Month award.”