HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarina Atsalis Preservation Award ApplicationFormer Commissioner Marina Atsalis left the Hyannis Main Street and Waterfront (HHDC) Commission in
January 2020, having served diligently on the Commission since its inception, attending the very first
meeting in 1996, offering her service not just to this commission, but also to the entire community of
Barnstable, being one of the longest, if not the longest, tenures for Public Service in an appointed
position.
In submitting this application for fair and just consideration, it is worth noting the very definition of
‘service’, which is appropriately defined as, “A public service award typically recognizes
uncompensated distinguished public service to a community, or the public through excellence in
leadership, or service.”
This definition aptly describes former Commissioner Atsalis as she is a well-respected member
of this community who has rendered distinguished and dedicated service to the Barnstable
community and general public through excellence in leadership and efforts. Indeed, one of her
many accolades is that she was involved from the beginning to help establish the initial
foundations for the historic district in which we currently live and enjoy. Her tireless efforts
strengthened our historical ties where she helped to establish and implement our guidelines to
protect and preserve, and to bind and expand our united efforts in preservation of our shared
historical heritage.
Noteworthy, is that Former Commissioner Marina Atsalis was instrumental far beyond her
efforts on the HHDC. Be it known that the HHDC and her long-standing honorable presence on
that Commission, was only one of the many venues she utilized to help forge our valuable
Historic District itself. Her efforts reached out into all aspects of historic preservation, becoming
involved in many areas and efforts that arose, maintaining records for historical preservation,
fending off challenges in the community that might diminish our heritage and historical
treasures, activating the community to protect and preserve. She served as a guardian to
protect our historic resources, educating our fellow townspeople on the need to preserve the
rich history that is our current benefit of legacy in the Town of Barnstable on Cape Cod. Such
was her commitment to the preservation of the history, historical character and historical assets
that we are all still able to share in this community due to this very valued Commissioner, and
indeed all who serve and still serve this community.
The commissioners of the Hyannis Main Street and Waterfront Historic District Commission,
who had an honor to share in some of Former Commissioner Atsalis’ efforts to preserve, protect
and enrich our history whilst serving both in service to the Commission itself, and throughout her
numerous non-commission efforts in historical protection and preservation throughout the Town
of Barnstable, now respectfully submit this request for recognition for this very deserving
individual who has given of herself unselfishly, and with dedication and honor.
Respectfully Submitted on Behalf of a unanimous vote of all members,
Cheryl Powell – Chair