7157-R1_ML&P_Hollis_2018-2019_AnnualReport_Text

Town of Hollis 2018-2019 Annual Report Dedication

It is with great pride and honor that the Hollis Select Board choose to dedicate this year’s Annual Town Report toM. Tootsie Johnson. While there are somany residents in our town who have gone above and beyond in giving back to the community, Tootsie has selflessly and consistently carried out a motto to help others and to make our town a better place to live. Tootsie was one of the original Hollis First Responders, long before we had our own rescue. She worked on the Buxton rescue for 20 plus years, 6 of those years as Chief. Her role as a Critical Care Technician would be comparable to but slightly more in depth than today’s EMT’s. Tootsie also worked as a Buxton Dispatcher in Bar Mills and Buxton Center. Not only was she Team Johnson’s race mom at Beach Ridge Motor Speedway but she was also a crew member of the rescue on Saturday nights as well as for the Southern Maine Karting Association.

While her son Paul was Fire Chief, Tootsie was one of the founders of the Hollis Center Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. She would assist in organizing and implementing numerous bean suppers which raised funds for equipment for the volunteer fire department. Later, Tootsiewas instrumental in organizing the Hollis Clothing Closet, a place where local people can find gently used clothing for free. This started in the Hollis Center Fire Station, a place with which Tootsie was very familiar. The Closet has since moved into its own building next door to the Fire Station. Each Christmas season for the past several years Tootsie has also found the time to tirelessly assist with the Hollis Christmas Fund.

The York County Spirit of Service Award annually recognizes an individual who makes a difference by giving their time and talents through volunteerism. Rightfully so, Tootsie was nominated and received this award in 2019 as a way to recognize all her hard work and dedication to this community. Tootsie was born and raised in Hollis, the youngest of 6 children. Together with her husband of 63 years, Charlie, raised 5 children of their own while having a very influential role in helping to raise their grandsons and great grandchildren. Tootsie serves the town well with kindness, generosity, compassion, humor and love. She is highly respected by the residents of the town, her peers and co-workers and the family which surrounds her.

5