For years Walton has been quietly taking care of chores that the town can't afford or doesn't have the time to get to. Even among members of this volunteer-rich community, Walton stands out by all the work he has done.
"There is no higher form of gratitude the town can pay," said Kerri Striebel, the town's administrative assistant and part-time police officer. "It is in appreciation for all the things he's done and continues to do."
She noted that only one other person has been given the key to town as far back as she can remember.
"He's a local guy who continues to have the town's best interest at heart," said Paul Trova, chairman of the Hinsdale Board of Selectmen. "He goes the extra mile. He always steps up and is willing to help out."
Walton, who has lived in Hinsdale for about 30 years, changed a light bulb Tuesday. It was the light bulb illuminating the town's flagpole and it had burned out. He didn't tell anyone. He just did it.
For a number of years, he mowed the grounds at Railroad Park every week -- more than two acres of land with his own mower. He also maintained the public beach at Plunkett Lake.
A couple of decades ago, he used his own bulldozer to widen the gravel road to the athletic fields.
As owner of L.P. Adams
"He'll help out with anything and everything that comes along," said longtime friend and former Select Board member Peter Frissell. "Wayne is carrying on his father's proud tradition of helping people out and like his father, he doesn't like people to know about it."
Every time someone was trying to do something to improve the quality of life in Hinsdale, Walton would quietly pitch in, Frissell said.
"For example, every Saturday for years he mowed the park with his own mower just because it needed doing," Frissell said.
"Wayne has been such a supporter of anything the fire department has ever done," noted Larry Turner, Hinsdale Fire Chief. "And throughout the town there are many other things he's done. He's just so good for the town of Hinsdale."
So on Wednesday night, Nov. 4, his friends lured Walton to the Selectmen's meeting by saying they needed his input on getting BRTA to put a bus stop in town, something else he's been trying to help with. They had to reel him in because they knew he wouldn't have come if he knew they were about to honor him for all his hard work.
"Presenting him the key to the town is the highest honor the town can give, and he deserved it," Turner said.
Walton has a simple explanation for all his efforts, and he says it like it should be obvious.
"It's a nice town," he said.
As for the key, he said, "It was a great honor and I never expected it."
To reach Scott Stafford: sstafford@berkshireeagle.com or (413) 496-6241.
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