Rotary banquet honors local volunteers, youth leaders and public works director

At a Rotary banquet, an event emcee announced a slate of community awards recognizing longtime volunteers, youth leaders and a town public works director.

Paul Ruffino was named Outstanding Citizen. "The winner is Paul Ruffino," the speaker said, citing roughly 30–35 years of involvement in town sports programs, service on the RTM and as chair of Parks and Recreation, three decades of coaching and his induction into the North Idaho Junior Football Hall of Fame. The announcement highlighted Ruffino's work with young people and his collaborative approach with other volunteers.

Co-winners of the Outstanding Youth Award were Bobby Mood and John Thomas, recognized for creating a program to help seniors navigate modern technology. According to the announcement, the pair provided one-to-one technology assistance to the senior center and homebound older adults and offered technology classes at the local library "to bridge the digital divide" for North Attleboro seniors.

Mark Holloway was named Outstanding Public Employee. The speaker identified him as the head of the town Department of Public Works and said he has served as director for 19 years, leads five sub-departments and is known for his engineering knowledge and leadership in snow removal. "Mark is undoubtedly deserving of this award," the emcee said.

Lori Durand was presented the Outstanding Educator award. The speaker said Durand was nominated both by the Plainville Senior Center and in her role as a teacher, noting that she brings second-grade students to the senior center for activities and service projects that connect students and older residents.

Brenda Watkinson received the Standing Senior Award. The announcement listed many volunteer roles attributed to Watkinson in Plainville, including library trustee, chair of a tax-aid committee and longtime chair of the council on aging, and praised her ongoing commitment to neighbors and community programs.

The emcee repeatedly framed the evening as a celebration of people who give time and talent to strengthen local institutions, particularly services for youth and seniors. No formal motions or votes were reported during the remarks; the event functioned as an awards presentation and community recognition.

The banquet’s remarks closed with a general commendation of volunteerism and community service as central themes of the evening.