Here it mid-March, and we already set the clocks ahead an hour. I hate the time change. I hope they accomplish what they want with this three weeks earlier stuff.

When I started writing my column for The Citizen, I was told I could write about not only community news but also about any of its interesting residents. I feel that one of any communities best assets lie in its residents. And if you are lucky, sometime in your live you will come onto some very special people that leave lasting memories.

I have been very fortunate in my life to meet many of these folks. I think living in a small community such as ours that you tend to meet more people on a one to one basis. I have worked in the public most of my 44 years here, enabling me to meet many. I cherish all the memories you all have given me and feel blessed to have known you all. However there is one person who sticks out in my memories a little more than others.

His name is Franklin Lozier, better known as “Buster.” Years ago when we first moved here, Buster and his wife, Sue, came to call and invite us to their church. Over time, they visited us several times and always made us feel comfortable. Buster and Sue had seven children. For many years they owned a small marina “Busters Boat Basin.” For many years he also worked for New York State Canal System. He also is a very talented carpenter. Buster lost his beloved Sue in 1980 leaving him to raise the youngest two of his seven children. A few years later he met and married Joyce (Tanner) Campbell. Along with Joyce came five step-children; this year they will be celebrating their 25th anniversary. To date, they have 35 grandchildren and one on the way, and four great-grandchildren.

Buster is very active in his church, and wherever there is something needing to be done, you'll find him. Buster, himself has had a couple close brushes with fate. He had open heart surgery in 1979 and had a valve replaced when it was relatively a new procedure. Then years later while on vacation in Oklahoma, he had an aortic aneurysm and almost didn't make it. Buster is indeed one of God's special children.

You never know where you will see Buster, whether it is in a hospital calling on some sick person, a nursing home visiting residents, a senior complex visiting folks or just calling on someone new in town. He is always taking flowers to these folks as well as his own humor. (Anyone who knows him knows he has a special type of humor.)

He is always making these little covered bridges that he puts Bible verses on and hands out to everyone. (I have one on my desk.)

I don't think there is a soul in the area who has passed on, whose funeral service he has not attended. And if you are ill and under the weather, you will find him either calling or visiting, whether you are in the hospital or home. He has taken many folks to the doctors or just shopping if they have no way to get there.

I could go on and on about the many things he has done for so many people. I know few people who are as considerate of others as he is. I truly feel he is one of our village's most precious assets. I am honored to have known him all these years and have him as a friend.

Buster celebrated his 80th birthday on March 16, and I want to wish him the happiest of birthdays and many more.

Thank you Buster.

Nancy Webster lives and writes from the village of Fair Haven