Residents give a standing ovation to Lucy Wallace at the the April 27 selectmen’s meeting as she completes 12 years serving as a town selectman. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Nearly an hour into Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, a buzz began building in the hallway outside the meeting room. As the time for public comment approached, about 50 smiling people crowded into the room. Several carried signs, the message discreetly concealed.

Chairman Ron Ricci recognized Paul Green, who stepped forward to speak for the group. Green paid tribute to retiring Selectwoman Lucy Wallace, noting, “She has dedicated 25 years of her life to serving on various official boards and committees in Harvard.” He praised her knowledge of state laws and regulations, her careful preparation for meetings, her willingness to stand up for her principles, her patience and humor, and “her sterling example of service to the town of Harvard.”

Selectmen Lucy Wallace and Ron Ricci react to the surprise arrival of well wishers.

As Green concluded, the audience rose in a standing ovation for Wallace. The concealed signs appeared, proclaiming “We love Lucy.” The theme music of the old “I Love Lucy” television show played, bringing chuckles as people recognized it.

Willie Wickman presented Wallace with a large photograph by Lisa Aciukewicz, showing bushel baskets of apples. “And you’ve peeled every one,” said a voice in the background, referring to the many hours Wallace spent making pies for the Congregational Church fundraiser at the Apple Blossom Festival. “That I have,” Wallace laughed.

“When we first moved to this town over 30 years ago,” Wallace said, “what struck me about the town is that it’s such a community. When you drive in here, you’re aware that people really care about this town, and they work very hard to preserve the conservation lands, the schools, all the programs we have here.”

Wallace noted that many new, young families are moving to town. “I think these young families will have a lot to contribute, so it’s good for some old-timers to move along and do some other things.” She added that she hopes more women will join Marie Sobalvarro on the Board of Selectmen.

Lucy speaks to the audience at her final BOS meeting.

Wallace recalled that she sometimes has to explain to non-New Englanders what a Board of Selectmen is. She tells them, “Imagine a five-headed mayor.”

Wallace emphasized that the board works best when there is mutual respect, both among members and throughout the community. “We’re really trying to do the best for the town,” she said. “I would hope that we could continue to be respectful of one another and of the people that come before us, and try to avoid the acrimony that seems to be spreading throughout this country ... There are times when it is hard to be a selectman, given the things that are said to any one of us. And so my plea to the community is to be respectful of your leaders—they are giving a lot of time. And my plea to my fellow board members is to be respectful of one another.”

“I’m not going to be sad about not being out on Tuesday nights,” she concluded. “I’ll stay home on the couch with my husband and the dog, and I’ll watch you all on TV.”

Another long round of applause followed her farewell.