TOPSFIELD | The Tri-Town Rotarians had two honored guests recently at one of their weekly luncheons at Angelica's Restaurant. They were joined by Nancy and Holger Luther of Topsfield, this year's recipients of the Rotary Club's Annual Outstanding Community Leaders Award.
Originally presented at the annual Town Meeting, the honor was given again by the Rotary Club, whose members wanted to present the plaque again to the couple and treat them to lunch.
The Luthers have amassed an impressive resume of volunteer civic contributions throughout their 30 years living in Topsfield. Even when they first moved to town in 1977 from Westport, Conn., they knew it would be important to continue their presence in town government.
"Both Holger and I have always felt that when you live in a community, you have to help that community," said Nancy Luther, who was surprised and flattered by the award.
Although Topsfield is a much smaller town than their previous home, the Luthers found that being involved in town affairs doesn't lose it's importance.
"The issues stay the same; just the street names change," Nancy Luther said.
The Luthers try to balance serving on several town committees | from the Council on Aging to the Planning Board | with having a little time for themselves. And as their respective careers have reached an end, the Luthers have made even more time for community action.
Holger Luther continues his work as a research physicist in a semi-retired role | but Nancy insists it's a "more than full-time job." Nancy Luther retired completely in 2003 after being the executive director of the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau, working under William Weld, Paul Cellucci, Jane Swift and Mitt Romney.
The couple's children, Nancy Luther jokes, all have four legs and wet noses: the Luther home has multiple cats. In their free time, Holger Luther likes to garden, refinish furniture and do some general handyman work around the house. Nancy Luther says she enjoys reading, knitting and watching movies.
Their tireless dedication to community affairs has not only benefitted the town of Topsfield, but has given the Luthers great pleasure and meaning, they said.
Holger Luther admitted from the podium at the Rotary Luncheon that he was, and still is, a very shy man, but his involvement in government business has improved his public speaking. It has also helped him and his wife forge relationships with a wide variety of people in town.
"I've met a bunch of really great people," said Holger Luther, who was also bestowed with the Walter Kneeland Award at this year's Town Meeting, which honors someone in the town for civic contributions.
"I encourage everyone to get involved," Nancy Luther said. "It's a great learning experience. It's not just what you learn, but what you learn about yourself."
Each year, a committee of three representing each of the Tri-Towns decides on the award recipient. The honoree is always someone outside of the Rotary Club.
Ira Singer, club member and Middleton town administrator, lauded the Luthers.
"We need so many more people like yourselves," he said to the Luthers as they stood before about 24 Rotarians that were present.
Also at the meeting, Eden Hutt of Eden Chiropractic in Topsfield was awarded Paul Harris Recognition. The milestone is given out to Rotarians who donate at $1,000 in their name to the Rotary Foundation in the form of a pin. The Rotary Club in the Tri-Towns is one of 1 percent of clubs internationally in which 100 percent of its members have earned Paul Harris Recognition.
Where do they find the time?
Nancy and Holger Luther are familiar faces around town, having served on several boards and committees.
Nancy Luther, who is currently the chairman of the Council on Aging, has served on:
Road Commission (1991-1998)
Police Chief Search Committee
Rail Trail Committee
Fence Viewer Committee
Alcohol License Advisory Board
Volunteers during annual road cleanup
Holger Luther, currently a Finance Committee member, has also served on:
Holger and Nancy Luther of Topsfield were awarded the Annual Outstanding Community Leader Award during the Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton luncheon at Angelica's restaurant last week. Heather Mancini /Staff Photo(Click for larger image)
