As a long-time Northside neighbor, leader and county board supervisor, Paul Rusk’s death on Oct. 11 came as a shock to our community. He was a dear friend and mentor to so many. NPC had just asked Paul to present awards for this ceremony, alongside our District 18 supervisor, Michele Ritt. Instead, we honor Paul with this year’s High Impact Award.

In the words of Tim Carlisle, a former executive director of the Northside Planning Council, “Many people get involved in their neighborhoods or in community projects at one time or another when there is an issue they feel strongly about or if something that directly affects them. But few people devote most of their free time to serving their community month after month and year after year as Paul did.

“Our community is a better place because of Paul’s remarkable devotion to his neighbors and his adopted Northside neighborhood. Paul was a proud Northsider for over 30 years, and we will miss his leadership, his friendship, and his example.”