McIntire, Saddler Recognized With Awards At Town Meeting
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Tuesday night's town meeting wasn't entirely about passing articles.Two awards were given out prior to the formal proceedings as Janet Saddler was recognized as the Most Valued Town Employee and Nancy McIntire received the Faith R. Scarborough Community Service Award.
 Photos by Paul Guillotte
Nancy McIntire was the first woman assistant dean of students at Williams College. |
"Your integrity, your diplomacy, your leadership and your candidness have enhanced Williamstown," Parese said. "You are willing to ask the difficult questions, and you are able to get diverse groups to work together for the benefit of all."
As a co-chairman of the Greylock ABC (A Better Chance) board, McIntire helped raise $500,000 to provide better academic and career opportunities for underrepresented minorities. She also was the ABC treasurer, helping secure financial stability in the program through difficult economic times.
Her volunteer work isn't limited to the Berkshires; she has served on the Massachusetts Judicial Nominating Council in Boston to help place deserving judges throughout the state. Last Tuesday, McIntire was elected to her first term as a trustee for the Milne Public Library. She received the most votes (1,155) of the four candidates on the ballot.
"Your commitment to strengthening and enhancing each organization you join is truly outstanding," Parese said. "Words like 'pioneer' and 'visionary' are often associated with you and your work."
The community service award was established in 1982 in memory of Faith Scarborough, who was the second woman in town history to serve as a selectman. Like Scarborough, McIntire has devoted many years of her life to public service while promoting diversity within the the town and on the Williams College campus.
"Having known Faith Scarborough and the many recipients of this award in her memory, I am very, very honored," McIntire said.
Saddler, who is Williamstown's treasurer and tax collector, is the 10th recipient of the Most Valued Town Employee honor, and her name will appear on a plaque displayed in the town hall lobby. League of Women Voters President Anne Skinner presented Saddler with a citation Tuesday night, which highlighted her ability to handle the many stresses that come with her job.
 Stan Parese |
This past year, Saddler took on more responsibility when Finance Director Charles "Chuck" St. John needed time off to tend with a family matters. During the most intense part of the budget cycle, she filled in for St. John by overseeing the treasurer's accounts and assessor's offices.
"Janet is firm, fair and above all, honest," Skinner said. "She deserves credit for having the cleanest books in the commonwealth."
Tuesday also marked the final meeting for Parese as town moderator. Board of Selectmen Chairman Tom Costley had kind words for the man who has maintained order and preserved fairness for the last 12 town meetings.
"Always thoughtful, always prepared, always considerate, Stan Parese has brought out the best in all of us," Costley said.
