TOWNSEND -- Russ Moore is being named the 2012 William E. May Endowment winner, an award given yearly to a volunteer in Townsend who helps the senior community.

"He's really given a lot back to the town. He's done all kinds of nifty things," said past award recipient David Profit. Profit is the vice chairman of the Council on Aging and a lieutenant in the Townsend Police Department.

A few years ago, Moore, 69, saw a notice in the paper that the Friends of the Townsend Seniors needed a treasurer, so he stepped up to help.

Since then, the small- business owner has served on the COA and was a strong advocate for the new Senior Center building.

"He's always just giving," Profit said.

Lately, Moore has "run a lot of bus trips" for the seniors. The most recent was a trip to Foxwoods on June 21. He also raises funds for other senior activities. Townsend seniors are just one of the groups that have benefited from Moore's volunteerism.

A member of the class of 1961, the last high school class to graduate from the Spaulding School, Moore returned to Townsend after serving in the Navy. He quickly became part of the community, coaching Little League while his children were young.

In addition to serving in Vietnam, he took part in Operation Deep Freeze, spending four years in Antarctica.

Moore said he was the third Vietnam vet to join the American Legion.

"The World War II vets wouldn't let the Vietnam vets join," he said. The two

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Vietnam vets who joined before him were both wounded during the conflict.

Moore went on to serve as the veterans agent and is now a life member of the Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He was also on the Recreation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals in Townsend.

The Townsend Ecumenical Organization benefits from Moore's energy as well.

"I do an awful lot for the TEO," he said. He is a donor, delivers food and works at the Bayberry Hill Road food pantry getting things ready.

Moore has been stepping away from some of his volunteers efforts recently. He and his wife Marge enjoy traveling across the country to visit relatives. Family is extremely important to the father of six.

"I have an extended family," he said. With great-grandchildren and his mother still living, he is part of a five-generation family.

His telecommunications business in Townsend, Moore Enterprises, employs 10 people. Moore recently gave up his private office, but keeps his own desk.

"I'm not ever going to retire. I like what I'm doing too much," he said.

The William E. May Endowment Dinner is scheduled for Oct. 13.