The Village at Duxbury would like to congratulate the nominees for the Duxbury Community Volunteers Awards. Eighteen people who gave of their time and their selves will be recognized at the awards dinner on June 13 at 6 p.m.

Following is a list of the volunteers and their accomplishments as described by those who nominated them. This town is fortunate to be rich with so much good will and so many good people. Congratulations, Duxbury. Gene Blanchard

Chris Coakley nominated Gene Blanchard because he’s one of those volunteers who serves many organizations in town both quietly and unobtrusively. Gene serves as Secretary of the Duxbury Music Boosters which is the booster organization for students in grades 5-12. Gene will be driving a truckload of instruments to Disney World next year when the Duxbury High School music program makes its once-every-four-year trip to Orlando. An active volunteer at the High Street Methodist Church, Gene serves as lector, usher and consultant on financial matters. He’s also vice-chair of the Finance Committee for the Town of Duxbury.  Gene and his family are big supporters of the Duxbury chapter of AFS. Unassuming by nature, Gene is very generous with his many talents.

Chuck and Marie Walker

Barbara Kiley felt compelled to nominate the Walkers and had these words to describe their years of volunteerism: Chuck Walker has served the Town and its various committees going back to the 1940s!  There is almost no committee that Chuck has not served on.  Some of the boards he has volunteered for include the Duxbury Beach Study Committee, the Cemetery Trustees, Planning Board and the Trustees of the Library to name a few.  Outside of town boards, Chuck has served on the Council on Aging Golf Tournament, Republican Town Committee and as a Trustee of the Partridge Academy, to name a few.  Marie’s talents have extended to the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, Duxbury Senior Club and the Duxbury American Legion Auxiliary.  Over the years, Chuck and Marie have played a big part in preserving the beauty and integrity of our town and its many organizations.  It was quite fitting to see Chuck and Marie serve as grand marshals of the 4th of July parade.  This is a couple who have made a mark on the town of Duxbury for over 60 years.

Stuart Ruggles

Stuart Ruggles was nominated by Terri Woodward and Sue Lawrence because Stu has generously and freely given much of his time to the community of Duxbury.  Having grown up in town, Stu appreciates the uniqueness of this special community.  He brings professional expertise to the table, in the form of grant writing, outdoor activities and manpower to the groups he works with.  Stu has been a Director of the Duxbury Student Union. He has been a member of the Duxbury July 4 parade committee after several years of taking charge of setting up the annual bonfire on the beach.  Stu is a member of the Duxbury 375 Committee, tirelessly fundraising, researching and helping plan the year-round celebration of Duxbury’s founding. He has also been supportive of the Tarkiln Building fundraisers.   Stu is a dedicated community member always giving 100 percent when he volunteers.

Janet Fisher

Janet was nominated by Suzanne Errasti because Janet not only volunteers at the Senior Center front desk, she shares warmth, a smile and lots of love to all who enter.  Janet is a sincere, compassionate, giving volunteer.  She delivers meals to seniors, takes the time to visit with them and lends an understanding ear.  Janet also volunteers to drive seniors to medical appointments.  she offers her time, patience and understanding to everyone she interacts with, and of course her smile and attentiveness make everyone feel special and important.  The Duxbury Senior Center is lucky to have such a wonderful volunteer.

Selden Tearse

Karen Falcone believes Selden is a great testament to the word “volunteer,” touching many aspects of Duxbury life including:  Alden PTA board member, homeroom parent, Brownie leader, chaperoning school events and participating in school fundraisers.  But Selden doesn’t just volunteer at the schools.  Selden reaches out to the community at large and has been a steadfast supporter of Crossroads for Kids, initiating a fundraising event, the All-Sports Tag Sale, for several years now that raises funds for kids to go to camp.  Her tag sales have raised over $16,000 for Crossroads.  Selden also has been a big supporter of Gradnite, a night of celebration for high school seniors, even though her own children have years to go before reaching that milestone.  For the past seven years, Selden has coordinated food donations, serving, picking up, and working the event until the wee hours of the morning.  She is Chair of RIDE PHAT, a bike helmet reward program now in its third summer, wherein the Duxbury Police reward those “caught” wearing their helmets with a $2 coupon.  Selden is a regular at Town Meetings, School Committee meetings and Duxbury Student Union events.  On November 10 of this year, she will chair a USO-style concert in memory of Lt. Timothy Steele.  Like everything Selden does, from Board member to coordinator, she is a constant presence in town affairs.  Selden is persistent in helping those in need, and loves the town in which she grew up and continues to make it a better place for all.

Fran Lahey

A Duxbury Senior Center volunteer, Fran was nominated by Emily Kelly. Emily appreciates that Fran volunteers five days a week at the Senior Center, wearing many hats.  Fran does whatever is needed to get done from greeting visitors warmly, setting lunch tables, organizing supplies or just being a Good Samaritan.  Fran is always willing to help anyone who needs it and has made the Senior Center a better place and anyone who comes in contact with her is affected by her genuine, caring ways and warm and sociable nature.

Dianne Hearn

Dianne was nominated by Alden School Principal Christopher Trombly.  Christopher wrote that since her retirement as a classroom teacher at Alden School over ten years ago, Dianne has remained a near-daily presence – and a much loved one – at Alden School. Ms. Hearn has served as a community representative on the Alden School council for over a decade.  She is also a volunteer in the Alden School Library and she edits and publishes the school literary magazine, Dragon’s Tale.  Ms. Hearn approaches all her tasks with passion, professionalism and great humor. Ms. Hearn is a fine role model for all of us who care about the education of the whole child. We are lucky to have Dianne Hearn serve on at Alden School, long after her days of teacher ended.

Joan Riser

Nominated by Caren Harrison and Patty Guilfoile, Joan has been involved with Scouting for over 40 years.  Over many years, Joan has mentored countless young women, as they achieved the rank of Cadette.  In addition to meetings, bake sales, cookie drives, community service projects, Joan takes her Cadettes on the road, chaperoning outings to Washington DC, Colorado and this year, to Yellowstone.  Joan has lived her life by the Girl Scout motto.  She is a wonderful example to all who have crossed her path.  She inspires young women to develop qualities she possesses herself, honesty, helpfulness, preparation, responsibility, respect and most importantly, the desire to make the world a better place.  In this 100th anniversary year of Girl Scouting, Joan is coordinating a town wide centennial celebration which will be capped off with another daughter tea for over 200 scouts and their moms.  Joan’s energy and enthusiasm on behalf of the program is palpable.  In this 100th year of Girl Scouting, what a great way to celebrate Joan’s efforts.

Priscilla Tonner

Kay Drake of the Duxbury Interfaith Council nominated Priscilla Tonner because she’s been an active member of the Board of the Duxbury Interfaith Council for many years.  She has served in various roles since coming onboard including:  secretary, assistant treasurer and treasurer. Priscilla also is secretary for the Service Committee and this is her biggest accomplishment for the organization. Her work is behind the scenes and extends to the organization of the holiday baskets at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. There are over 100 baskets delivered to families in Duxbury and Priscilla handles all the paperwork for this endeavor.  Priscilla is a hands-on individual who helps  with the many service opportunities the Duxbury Interfaith Council initiates including the Martin Luther King Breakfast and the 911 Memorial Service held on the Town Green in 2011.  Priscilla has also been an active member of St. John’s Church and is a member of the Snug Harbor Chorus.  Priscilla has won the hearts of many through her generous contributions and years of service to Duxbury.

Paul Mabey

Paul was nominated by Mary Gazzola who credits him with spending countless hours walking the streets of Duxbury, picking up litter.  He was a volunteer for the first Duxbury Litter Sweep and loved it so much, he hasn’t slowed down since.  Paul has been instrumental in planning the second Litter Sweep and has inspired others to get involved.  He’s purchased hats and signs and t-shirts, and spreads the word everywhere he goes.  His zeal is infectious and others have joined the committee and the cause because of Paul.  Paul doesn’t just pick up litter; he sorts it, recycles what he can and donates collected cans and bottles to the transfer station.  Paul’s enthusiasm is contagious and his efforts show how one person can make a difference.  Paul sees a need to make our town a better place and he gets to it.

Elizabeth Lewis

Elizabeth was nominated by Anne Ward and Dr. Ben Tantillo.  Both Ms. Ward and Dr. Tantillo are grateful that for the past three years, Elizabeth has tirelessly led the School Building Committee as the chair. She has shepherded the school building project through a myriad of regulations from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, Town Meeting and a positive ballot vote. Elizabeth has given an enormous amount of her personal time to this project. She has attended numerous public meetings, most of which she planned. In every meeting she has modeled an open and caring character. The lasting effect of Elizabeth Lewis’ volunteer work on this committee is that several generations of Duxbury children will be educated in a facility that will best prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century.

Elizabeth has volunteered in the Duxbury community for over 10 years.  She has been involved with the Duxbury Interfaith Council, Holy Family Church, construction of the Ellison Center playground at the Duxbury Free Library, Girl Scout Leader and the Town Building Committee.  Elizabeth is typically the first to volunteer where there is a need, and her “can do” attitude and problem-solving skills are invaluable to the town.  Elizabeth’s dedication to her causes has been an inspiration to the many volunteers and supporters who helped make the school building project, and other projects, realities.

Maureen Connolly

Maureen was nomintated by Gail McCormack of the Duxbury Senior Center.  Gail felt Maureen was a volunteer worthy of recognition because she’s been volunteering at the Duxbury Senior Center for six years. Maureen has volunteered for numerous events held by the Council on Aging and the Friends of the Council on Aging.  Over several years, Maureen has been involved at the schools serving on PTAs and serving on school council.  Maureen has also been active at her church, Holy Family Parish.

Chris Barry

Chris was nominated by Elizabeth Hills, a member of the Friends of the Council on Aging.  Elizabeth wrote that Chris has been a member of the Friends of the Council on Aging and was vice-president for two years and is now president.  He is a very active, involved president, contributing to all events and his easy manner and sense of humor make all the work more fun.  Chris is willing to help out any time there is a need and he has done great work for the Friends, helping the Senior Center become a viable, successful place for Duxbury seniors.

Duxbury High School Football Team

Lynne McWilliams nominated the Duxbury High School Football team for dedicating their 2011 season to the memory of Lt. Tim Steele and the financial future of his daughter Liberty. The team changed its motto to Strength and Honor for Liberty. Every win, every week was with Liberty in mind, to thank her for a sacrifice she isn’t even aware yet she’s made. The team raised over $36,000 through bucket donations, t-shirt sales, letter writing campaign and various other efforts.  After Lt. Steele’s death, the team took the lead in allowing a town to channel their need to help and gave them the opportunity to learn about sacrifice.  Lt. Steele’s memorial service at Holy Family Church was a profound moment for these boys.  Not one of them will ever forget the meaning of “Strength and Honor for Liberty.”

Tom and Carol Chapman

Tom and Carol were nominated by Linda Hayes. Their contributions are too numerous to describe, but a few of Linda’s highlights of the work the Chapmans do include Tom’s devotion to the Senior Center.  He was instrumental in securing the purchase of the Center’s first bus, SADIE.  He is on every committee and tends to homebound seniors.  He takes great pride in the grounds of the Senior Center, watering and landscaping and organizing volunteers.  He has been Treasurer of Friends of the Center.  It is Tom’s gift of kindness and compassion that make him truly an amazing volunteer.  Tom’s gift of time, energy, expertise and generosity makes him such a remarkable man.  He is compassionate and truly believes in the importance of helping his neighbor. Carol has equally been a strong volunteer at the Senior Center.  She has been on the Board of the Council on Aging and has been a volunteer for Friends, as well.  Carol is always looking for ways to reach out to the community and improve the Senior Center.  Carol works on the social day program with Alzheimer’s patients.  Carol works with the Director to bring new programs to the Senior Center, expending lots of time and energy on preparation.  Carol’s contributions are so important to the Senior Center and the Center benefits from Carol’s passion and assistance.

John Madden

John was nominated by Joanne Moore.  He has been a constant volunteer for several years.  John started by helping seniors with computer issues. He then set up an old computer and his volunteer career mushroomed from there. With his financial background, John was trained by AARP to do taxes for seniors and does over 115 tax returns a year. From there, John joined the Board at the Senior Center.  His hard work and organization helped the Board to work more efficiently and productively.  After that, John became Board chair. He worked to create an active board and recruited with a purpose.  Of course, John was active in implementing and planning the Black Tie Bingo event, volunteering with every aspect to make this event happen and be successful.  The Senior Center is truly lucky to have John Madden.  He is warm, caring, patient and a friend to all.  He is a talented, reliable constant and the Senior Center is a better place because of people like John.

Anne Antonellis

Town Manager Richard MacDonald nominated Anne Antonellis.  Richard wrote that Anne is a volunteer who never stops.  Anne has always been active in the school’s athletic and music programs.  Her commitment to the town and love for volunteering grew from there.  Implementing new programs is what Anne does best.  Anne began a Duxbury tradition when she instituted Holly Days.  For several years now, Anne’s vision kicks off the holiday season with a day filled with activities, music, transportation, and ends with the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Town Green.  Anne’s most recent endeavor is serving as co-chair of the Duxbury 375th Celebration.  Anne and her team have raised funds and organized several events to celebrate the Town’s birthday, including a Town picnic, Summerfest at the DSU, an educational series, and an old fashioned clambake at Duxbury Beach on June 9.  Anne has also been active on several other boards and committees including Alden Kindred of America and the Council on Aging and will soon serve as chair.  Anne is a volunteer who never stops giving of her time and talent to make Duxbury a wonderful community to live in.