max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
The North Attleboro/Plainville Rotary Club has announced the winners of its 2023 Distinguished Service Awards.
Nancy Campbell will receive the Outstanding Citizen Award. A resident of the town since 1966 and director of the Falls Firebarn Museum, it was Campbell’s spirit of volunteerism that earned her this honor. In one letter nominating her for the award, Campbell’s 21 years with the museum and 22 with the Historical Society were cited among the many ways she’s proven her dedication to the town.
“With Nancy’s knowledge of this town, dates and people is extraordinary, plus the endless hours she spends volunteering at this unpaid position finally needs to be rewarded,” the letter stated.
The recipient of the Outstanding Youth Award is Rhianna Mason. One of those to nominate Mason cited her as the epitome of the Rotary Club’s motto, “Service Above Self.” A sophomore at King Phillip High School and board member of KP Cares, Mason has been involved with several service projects, including providing meals for Gilly’s House, working with a sober home for men in Wrentham, serving seniors at their holiday luncheon and coordinating holiday cards for two senior living centers.
“At such a young age, Rhianna understands the meaning of “Service Above Self” and is always thinking of other ways to help others,” said one of those to nominate Mason.
Ellen Robertson will receive the award for Outstanding Public Employee. Now working as Plainville Town Clerk, Robertson will soon step down, but not before conducting her 15th Annual Town Election. Robertson is said to have done an outstanding job, particularly amidst the pandemic and challenges facing the election process, and always handles her duties with “professionalism, with pride, and always with courtesy to the public,” stated one nomination.
That nomination cited the accuracy and attention to detail that Robertson brought to her job and the teamwork seen during the elections.
“No matter what we threw at her—location changes, extra elections, overrides, early voting—whatever it was, she and her team handled it smoothly and efficiently,” stated the nomination.
An educator for 36 years—23 of which at Martin Elementary School—Patricia Tannock is described as one of the most positive, hardworking and influential teachers in North Attleborough. A colleague who nominated Tannock spoke to her coming in each day with a positive attitude and a “can do” mentality. She is often collecting or purchasing supplies or snacks for students or helping those who struggle to excel in their lessons. One of the best indicators of her impact is the many students who reach out to Tannock well after leaving the Martin School.
“Her kindness and influenced has touched many students, families and colleagues over the years,” the nomination read.
The Outstanding Senior Award will go to Sandy Mann, who was nominated by the staff at the North Attleborough Senior Center. She became involved in 2016 and was chosen as president of the Friends of the North Attleboro Council on Aging. The staff cited her dedication as president, making herself available for all meetings and serving as trips coordinator. The Friends group supports the senior center, paying for anything not included in the town or state budget. In addition, Mann and her husband maintain the large sign outside the center to advertise upcoming events.
“Sandy is kind, patient and gives of her time to the community and the senior center so generously and this is why we chose to nominate her for this award,” said the staff.
The awards will be presented at Heather Hill Country Club, Plainville, on Monday, March 20. A reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:45. Tickets can be purchased from Dr. John W. Barone at 107 North Washington St., North Attleborough or by calling 508-699-2481, for a cost of $45 per person. The deadline to purchase tickets is Tuesday, March 14.
