Volunteers who serve on all of Barrington’s boards, commissions and committees will get some recognition in early June.

The Town Council approved this week a proposal by councilor Cynthia Coyne to recognize the volunteers at a barbecue or light supper in the late afternoon or early evening.

“I hope it can turn into an annual event,” said Coyne, who proposed the volunteer-recognition event at the March Town Council meeting. "I think the least we can do is grill for them."

The Town Council designated up to $1,500 be spent to commend the volunteers for their time and effort. Approximately 125 volunteers serve on Barrington’s boards and commissions.

“Do you know how much time and energy and effort is given by them?” Coyne said. “We couldn’t run local government without all the dedicated volunteers.”

The June event, she said, will “give back to the people who give so much to Barrington. It’s just to say thank you.”

Coyne met last week with Town Council President June Speakman, Town Manager Peter DeAngelis, Town Clerk Linda James and Barrington’s part-time human resource manager to discuss ways to  show the town’s appreciation.

“Our discussions will continue again in the near future but, in the short term, we all agreed that, at a minimum, we should invite our volunteers to a light supper, or reception … perhaps on the way home from work and before a committee or board meets for the evening,” Coyne said in her motion to create the recognition event.

“The school department recognizes their volunteers during April, which coincides with National Volunteer Week, with a luncheon at the library,” she said. “I think as the Town Council, we would also like to recognize our volunteers with a similar gesture.”

The motion was approved unanimously. Coyne said details are expected to be worked out within the next week or so.