HaMMONtON — Dr . Johanna Johnson is the Hammonton Lions Club ’ s 2020 Citizen of the Year .
Johnson was honored at the organization ’ s 31st annual Citizen of the Year Dinner at 6:30 p . m . on November 4 at tomasello Winery . Hammonton Lions Club President Michael Villani welcomed
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everyone to the event . “ this evening we are here to honor Dr . Johanna Johnson , not only for all the vital work that she has done to elevate the education in Hammonton , the atlantic County institute of technology and Stockton University , but also to honor her for her vast volunteer work in our community , her church and other worthy causes ,” Villani said . Villani noted that Johnson was
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his sixth-grade teacher .
“ She was very devoted to her job , and , to reflect on her as a teacher , i see how dedicated she was making sure her students applied themselves to the best of their abilities ,” Villani said . after Marie tomasello , the club ’ s second vice-president , led everyone in the Pledge of allegiance , Loretta Rehmann took to the podium to continue the evening ’ s events .
“ What a pleasure it is for me to be here tonight to honor Dr . Johanna Johnson . i ’ ve known her for quite a while , and i can say , i worked with her on a couple of boards and committees , and no one is ever better prepared , better researched or driven to get the job done . She taught me a long time ago that the devil is in the details , and , let me tell you , with Johanna there is no detail that ’ s left un-researched ,” Rehmann said .
Past president Robert Bauers delivered the invocation , as well as personal remarks regarding Johnson . Bauers said that he and Johnson served both on the Hammonton Board of education and on committees together at the Presbyterian Church of Hammonton , including the personnel committee .
“ i learned there to develop a little fear of Johanna . i would say that it was something that she learned professionally , like when
Wednesday , November 10 , 2021 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
Dr . Johnson honored as Lions Club Citizen of the Year
by Joseph F . Berenato Gazette StaFF WRiteR
THG / Joseph F . Berenato
Dr . Johanna Johnson ( center ) was joined at the ceremony by family members ( left to right ) Emily Jokinen , the Hon . Nelson Johnson , Ava Johnson , Alisa Johnson and Ethan Johnson . you are — and this was me — the recalcitrant student that didn ’ t do their homework , and the schoolmarm is up front with her yardstick and she ’ s looking at you and she starts down the aisle ,” Bauers said .
Bauers referenced the traditional gospel song , “ this Little Light of Mine ,” while speaking about Johnson .
“ this little light of mine , i ’ m going to let it shine . there ’ s a shining light ,” he said , indicating Johnson . thomas alvino then gave the Lions toast , after which dinner was served . Following dinner , Lions treasurer Lori Orsi described the nomination process .
“ in their nomination of Dr . Johanna Johnson , Millie and Rick Walker cited her unwavering commitment to education , her dedication to the town and her selfless
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