Tommy and Anne Sutherland could not have been more surprised when they came home and found the “Citizen of the Month” sign in their yard. Anne explained, “We were both so surprised but we feel very special that we were chosen. It means a lot.”

Anne has not always lived in Italy, she explained, " I am originally from Waco. I love the city of Waco and McClennan County but I am happy to be part of Ellis County now and to be a working, helping part of the community." Anne has now lived in Italy for twenty-three years.

Tommy grew up in Red Oak and spent the majority of his life in Ellis County. When asked how he ended up in Italy he replied, “I married Anne, she brought me here. I have now lived here for eight years and I really enjoy it.”

Tommy and Anne are both very involved in the community. Anne is involved with the Italy Ministerial Alliance which sponsors the food pantry. Anne coordinates the food, helps get volunteers to help with the food and food donations. Anne explained, “I have been involved with the Italy Ministerial Alliance for about ten years. The Ministerial Alliance sponsors the food pantry, and also hosts the Easter Sunrise service, the Baccalaureate, a Christmas program involving the city and the lighting of the Christmas tree.”

Anne also is a member of the NOW committee which stands for Nurture Outreach and Witness with the First United Methodist Church of Italy. “I am proud to be a part of this committee. The committee helps the community outside of church and does things such as parties and organized activities. Recently we went with our pastor, Reverend Krista Ingram and had a hotdog party with the residents that live out at the domes. We had a great time, lots of fun and everyone felt comfortable. We also do a Lord’s Acre program where we raise funds for our church with an auction, a children’s festival and bake sales,” she explained.

Anne works for Monolithic Constructors going on 14 years now and also works for the Neotribune. She said, “I love writing sports articles, taking sports photos and working with the kids, it is the highlight of the year for me to work with the teenagers.”

Tommy has been a volunteer fireman for eight years for the Italy Volunteer Fire Department. He graduated from Italy Fire Academy in December of 2009. He also graduated from Navarro College from EMS school in December of 2010 and is currently employed by Scott and White Temple EMS as a paramedic.

He also is a member of Fire Fighters for Christ. Tommy explained, “It is a national organization that encourages fire fighters to live their lives for Jesus Christ. We have started a chapter in south Ellis county. The president is from the Ennis Fire Department and we meet in Milford, Ennis and Italy once a quarter. Each meeting is in a different place. It is a lot of fun. The firemen get together and have a meal and a devotional. There is anywhere from twelve to twenty firemen that attend each meeting.”

Tommy and Anne both attend First United Methodist Church of Italy where Tommy is one of the trustees for the church. This involves helping with the maintenance and repairs of the church.

Together Tommy and Anne have seven children. Alex Demoss (junior at Italy ISD), “adopted son” Deandre Reddig, (senior at Italy ISD), Rachel Stevens, Grace Stevens, Sarah Demoss, Becca Demoss and Tina Glenndenning (Sutherland). Rachel, Grace, Sarah, and Becca all graduated from Italy High School. Tina graduated from Midlothian ISD but did reside in Italy for one year. Anne said, “We are proud of all our our kids, they are our accomplishments.”

When asked what it meant to them to be “Citizen of the Month”, Anne said “I am an active member of the community. I feel like the Mayor recognizes that and I feel special to be a part of that.” Tommy said, “I am just happy to help out in the community.”

Tommy and Anne love living in Italy. Anne said, “Tommy and I think it is a nice community to live in. We like the fact that it is small enough that a lot of people know us and we know everyone. It takes a village to raise a child so the whole town helps us raise our kids. We appreciate that and we are glad our kids can walk to school and not be scared. There is not a bad neighborhood anywhere. We are able to go anywhere in this town and feel comfortable. I love that we are all one big community that helps each other whenever a need arises.”

Congratulations Tommy and Anne!