Anita Vandermark was named Town of Montgomery Citizen of the Month for July at the town board meeting on Thursday, earning the most nominations of any recipient yet.

She was given the award for her tremendous amount of volunteerism. She volunteers for the Town of Montgomery Senior Independence Project and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which supports senior citizens’ activities. Vandermark also volunteers for the Walden Sunshine Society, which lends out free medical supplies to all of the Town of Montgomery residents who need them. She has been an active member of the sunshine society during the COVID-19 pandemic even though she is at a high risk of having negative effects from COVID-19.

“Anita gives 110 percent to whatever she signs up for,” said Montgomery Town Supervisor Brian Maher. “She is kind, generous, caring and always eager to assist.”

Vandermark has also volunteered for the Walden and Wallkill Valley Historical Societies and the Walden Community Council. The community council sponsors the Town of Montgomery’s Meet the Candidates Night, which helps inform voters for the November election. She has also volunteered for the Walden Veterans Memorial Park Committee, the Walden Harvest Festival Committee and the Friends of Walden Youth. In addition, Vandermark has served as the chair of the Walden Ethics Board for many years.

She also earned the citizen of the month honor for her columns in the Wallkill Valley Times.

“Anita goes well above and beyond the job to inform our residents and highlight members in our community on important things that have a positive impact on all of us,” Maher said.

Vandermark was honored to receive the award.

“It’s very touching,” she said.

Town of Montgomery Chief of Police Arnold “Butch” Amthor was also given a plaque for his tenure at Thursday’s town board meeting. He will be retiring effective Aug. 1 after serving the department since 2007.

The town board thanked him for his duty.

“I have gone to Butch for guidance on issues, as a councilman, as a town resident, as a friend,” said Town of Montgomery Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Ron Feller. “I’m gonna miss you personally, I think you did a great job for the town.”

Councilwoman Kristen Brown commended Amthor for his knowledge of policing. He helped educate her about the field when she came onto the board.

“I’ve only known you three months and I wish I could know you another three-and-a-half years,” she said.

The town board is currently accepting resumes for the chief of police position until 5 p.m. on July 15. They will then have until Aug. 1 to interview candidates and choose a successor.