Published December 18, 2019
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The Board of Selectmen chose two former local officials as the winners of the third annual Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence during Monday’s meeting.
The selectmen established the Townsend Award two years ago in order to recognize a local volunteer or volunteers who have worked diligently to make the community a better place. The award is named after Daniel Townsend, who perished on April 19, 1775 in the first battle of the Revolutionary War
Selectmen Chairman Phil Crawford said four residents were nominated for the Townsend Award, including former Selectman David Drislane. Drislane, who served three terms on the Board of Selectmen and never had an opponent in the Town Election, also served on the Finance Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
“Dave has been a longtime member of the community,” said Crawford. “He was the marshal of our Bicentennial and Tercentennial Parade. He is very deserving of the award.”
Crawford said former Selectman, Town Moderator and Town Administrator H. Joseph Maney was nominated for the Townsend Award as well.
“(Maney) has been a lifelong resident and has done a lot to shape the town,” said Crawford. “We named the meeting room in Town Hall after him. He is also very deserving of this award.”
Crawford noted Planning Board member Charlie Wills and former Finance Committee Chairman Jack Dahlstedt were also nominated for the Townsend Award. However, he proposed that Drislane and Maney be given the third annual award.
“They have done so much for the town and have been instrumental in shaping this town for the last 40, 50 and 60 years,” said Crawford.
Selectman Chris Barrett said all four candidates “are worthy of the Townsend Award,” but said Drislane and Maney have “a unique partnership.” He recalled that Drislane served as a selectman while Maney was town administrator.
“They worked together for a number of years,” said Barrett. “One of the reasons we have the great community that we have today is because of the foundation they built.”
Selectman Dick Dalton agreed.
“They are both worthy of our consideration,” said Dalton.
Dalton said Drislane and Maney are both dedicated to community service as well as public service.
“Mr. Drislane has been very, very active in Rotary for decades,” said Dalton. “He has been a real leader there in many of the fundraising activities that have taken place over the years. He is completely dedicated to the mission of Rotary. He sets an example for the Rotarians here in Lynnfield.”
Dalton said Maney has been “instrumental in the L.I.F.E. organization.” L.I.F.E. is a nonprofit corporation that owns and operates the Center Village, Colonial Village and Essex Village elderly housing complexes.
“Mr. Maney has helped our senior citizens who are looking to downsize from their larger homes to a place where they can remain in the community and be comfortable,” said Dalton.
After the discussion, the selectmen unanimously selected Drislane and Maney as the winners of third annual Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence. Crawford said both men will be presented with the award in January.
Former Town Moderator/Fields Committee Chairman Arthur Bourque was the inaugural winner of the Townsend Award. Late Selectman Al Merritt was presented with the second award, which was given to his family last fall.