Tri-Towns Bureau

UNADILLA — A Unadilla resident who has given thousands of hours to his community and a business that dates back to the 1800s will be honored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Raymond Johnson and the Unadilla House restaurant will be recognized during a dinner at the Unadilla House on April 6. The event will start with a social hour at 4:30 p.m.

Johnson will receive the chamber's Good Neighbor Award.

"His selection was based on his generosity in donating his time and concern for others," chamber Treasurer Chris Wilson said.

The award "came as a surprise," said Johnson, 74.

Johnson moved to Unadilla in 1962 from Mount Upton because he said he was impressed by the village and its attractive houses.

He worked at Bendix, now Amphenol, in Sidney for 35 years in service and sales.

Through the years, Johnson has played a number of roles in his community. He was elected to the board of assessors in 1968, becoming head assessor the following year. He joined the Unadilla Fire Department in 1982. He has also been involved with Boy Scouts and Little League.

He now serves as commander of American Legion Joyce Bell Post 578 in Unadilla, and he said he was a member of the U.S. Army from 1948-52.

Johnson decided to help fellow veterans, he said, because "the government is always cutting back on veterans' benefits. Anything I can do to make life easier for them — I will do that."

It was through the Legion that he met his wife, Carol, in 1982, Johnson said, and she convinced him to join her in volunteering at the state Veteran's Home in Oxford. They were married in 1993 and have five children from previous marriages.

In addition, the Unadilla House restaurant will receive the Business of the Year award.

Ralph Vanderlip, head chef at Unadilla House, has been associated with the restaurant for years and said the award was an honor.

"It's a very tight-knit community," Vanderlip said. "It's always nice to receive recognition from other businesses."

Wilson said Unadilla House "has played an active roll in the community."

To make reservations for the dinner and ceremony, call Wilson at 563-8600.

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