TOPSHAM — Donald A. Russell was named as the second recipient of the Sarah Whitten Community Award on Feb. 5.

Russell was given the award by the Topsham Public Library Board of Trustees to recognize his outstanding service to the library and the community.

He has been part of the community for nearly 80 years. He has served as chairman on the Board of Selectmen twice and has been a part of the Planning Board, School Administrative District 75 board of directors, Local Redevelopment Authority for the Topsham Navy Annex, Sagadahoc Budget Advisory Committee and the Board of Assessment Review.

The Whitten Society and the Sarah Whitten Community Award are named after Sarah Whitten, who bequeathed her house on Pleasant Street to the town of Topsham to be used as its public library.

“Don Russell’s service, in our view, matches that kind of dedication,” said Susan Preece, library director. “He didn’t donate a family home, but he donated a significant part of his life to the town of Topsham, and to supporting what the Topsham community is all about.”

Attendees of the event included Russell’s family, including his wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara, and his two sons; state Sen. Linda Baker, state Rep. Denise Tepler, Sagadahoc County Commissioner Charles Crosby III, Topsham Selectmen William Thompson and Roland Tufts, Town Manager Rich Roedner, library staff and trustees, and members of the Whitten Society.

FMI: 207-725-1727, www.topshamlibrary.org.