Beverly Russell, left, listens as Old Orchard Beach Town Councilor Shawn O’Neill speaks at a short ceremony at Town Hall Tuesday night.

The town’s annual report was dedicated to Russell, 72, for her work in the Community Animal Watch committee, where she served as the chairwoman until she retired in May.

O’Neill, reading from the annual report, said Russell was “a tireless advocate” for seniors and animals and the soul of the committee and the epitome of selflessness.

Russell has spent countless hours driving seniors and their pets to the veterinarian’s office, consoling people when their pets must be put to sleep, and finding new owners for animals without homes.

Three years ago, when a fire at a School Street apartment building displaced her and a number of other seniors, Russell worked to address the needs of the 18 animals that needed care and spent time driving residents to appointments and the grocery store, according to the the town report.

The annual report was also dedicated to the late John Bird, for his work with conservation.

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