Select Board Introduces New Public Service Award

by Mackenzie Blue
Town Manager Peter Lombardi and Assistant Town Manager Donna Kalinick join the select board in supporting the new Public Service Award. Pictured from left, back row: Lombardi, Kalinick and David Whitney. Front: Cindy Bingham, Amanda Bebrin, Dr. Mary Chaffee and Ned Chatelaine. COURTESY PHOTO Town Manager Peter Lombardi and Assistant Town Manager Donna Kalinick join the select board in supporting the new Public Service Award. Pictured from left, back row: Lombardi, Kalinick and David Whitney. Front: Cindy Bingham, Amanda Bebrin, Dr. Mary Chaffee and Ned Chatelaine. COURTESY PHOTO

BREWSTER – In its 2025-2026 strategic plan, the select board issued a new goal: to strengthen town government volunteer engagement and recognition activities to better recruit and retain committee members. 
Over the last couple of years, the select board has prioritized this initiative, working to better communicate available opportunities to residents and hosting a volunteer fair where interested attendees can speak with representatives from local boards and committees.
In an effort to continue this work, meet their strategic goals and recognize the volunteers who serve on a board, committee or commission, the select board has launched a new public service award.  
According to an announcement, the award will honor an individual who has gone above and beyond to make a profound difference in improving public services for the Brewster community. Nominations are open and applications can be submitted by anyone through March 3. 
Award winners will be announced at town meeting in May. For more information and the application link, visit the town’s website.