2020 Award Recipients

County: Androscoggin Town: Auburn School District

2020 Award Winner: Auburn School Department Nutrition Program

Winner Accomplishments: Auburn School Department Nutrition Program even before COVID-19 had a solid reputation for serving nutritious, affordable, and delicious meals to thousands of students each and every day. Amidst the pandemic the nutrition program has gone into over-drive, packing countless meals ‘to go’ to feed students outside the classroom. “Usually in the summer there’s four people, but this year we have 10+ staff members helping out with it.” Those words by Director Chris Piercey illustrate the special conscientiousness exemplified by Auburn School Dept. Nutrition Program during this 2020 year of crisis.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Androscoggin Town: Durham

2020 Award Winner: Anita Sellars

Winner Accomplishments: Pearl Scribner and Anita Sellars are honored for their dedication to the management and care of Durham’s renovated Grange Hall, the Eureka Community Center. They have organized a yearly plant sale fundraiser, cribbage Tuesdays and field all calls for rental of the hall. Pearl and Anita led the drive to update the center with a new stove and commercial dishwasher, paid for with fund raised from the plant sales. They rented a floor cleaner and personally cleaned and polished the tile floors.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Androscoggin Town: Durham

2020 Award Winner: Pearl Scribner

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Androscoggin Town: Greene

2020 Award Winner: Traeh Cloutier

Winner Accomplishments: Through his hard work and dedication, Traeh Cloutier succeeded in providing a Buddy Bench at the Greene Central School – an admirable achievement for someone so young.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Androscoggin Town: Lewiston

2020 Award Winner: Lewiston & Auburn Veterans Council

Winner Accomplishments: Lewiston & Auburn Veterans Council sponsors Veterans Memorial Park (an inspirational testament to men and women who have served our country within all branches of the U.S. military). The Council organizes activities there, including a Memorial Day ceremony and parade, Flag Day ceremony and Veteran’s Day observance (with a musical tribute). Veterans Council around Memorial Day for nearly 20 years also has been placing flags on graves of vets buried in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Androscoggin Town: Lisbon

2020 Award Winner: Angela D’Amours

Winner Accomplishments: The 2020 Lisbon, Maine Spirit of America Foundation Tribute honors Angie D’Amours for commendable community service.

Providing for: Recognition of Angie D’Amours volunteerism and community service.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Lisbon as follows:

WHEREAS, Angie is well known throughout Lisbon for her selfless work with a variety of organizations including but not limited to: Positive Change Lisbon, Lisbon Parks and Recreation Committee, and the School Parent Action Group.

WHEREAS, Angie is a fearless and compassionate leader, who has no problem taking the lead on projects or serving as chair or president on committees. Just 3 years ago Angie led a team of volunteers to raise over 50,000.00 to purchase a new playground for the MTM Community Center. This team worked for two days installing the playground.

WHEREAS, Angie has spent years as a member of the Parent Teacher Organizations. She has worked with these schools helping to raise funds for students to attend camps and leadership seminars.

WHEREAS, Angie’s vision and commitment to making Lisbon a better place to live and raise a family has not gone unnoticed. She has volunteered at our Moxie Festival 5K and Car Show. She is a planner on the Moxie Festival Committee.

WHEREAS, Angie is the current President of Positive Change Lisbon. This is a non-profit working with businesses, citizens, and the town to improve the image and business environment of Lisbon, Maine.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Lisbon that Angie is hereby recognized for her admirable achievements and honors, which she has instilled upon this community with the 2020 Lisbon Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Androscoggin Town: Lisbon

2020 Award Winner: Lisbon Junior Athletic League

Winner Accomplishments: The 2020 Lisbon, Maine Spirit of America Foundation Tribute honors the Lisbon Junior Athletic League for 50 years of commendable community service. Providing for: Recognition of the Lisbon Junior Athletic League Board, its Coaches and Volunteers.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Lisbon as follows:

WHEREAS, the Lisbon Junior Athletic League was founded in 1970 to provide Baseball and Softball and other athletic programs for Lisbon youth ages 5-18; and

WHEREAS, The Lisbon Junior Athletic League is committed to providing high-quality facilities and safe equipment for the use of their players; and

WHEREAS, The Lisbon Junior Athletic League strives to provide players with volunteer coaches who seek to teach those players the rules of the game along with proper baseball and softball fundamentals ; and

WHEREAS, The Lisbon Junior Athletic League volunteer coaches work with players of all ability levels and who remember that development of exceptional athletic skills and winning games is secondary to the development of players and providing players with positive examples and a positive baseball / softball experience; and

WHEREAS, the Lisbon Junior Athletic League is committed to the development of sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, courage, respect for others, and physical fitness for all levels of competition in the Lisbon Community; and

WHEREAS, the Lisbon Junior Athletic League Celebrates 50 years of local athletic programing with the 2020 season; and

WHEREAS, the Lisbon Junior Athletic League Board of Directors, Coaches and Volunteers dedicate countless hours throughout the year planning Baseball and Softball programs every season for 300-400 Lisbon youth;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Lisbon that the Lisbon Junior Athletic League Board of Directors, Coaches and Volunteers are hereby recognized for their great achievements and honors that they have brought upon this community with the 2020 Lisbon Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Androscoggin Town: Livermore

2020 Award Winner: Fran Berry

Winner Accomplishments: Fran Berry has served the Town of Livermore as an election worker for over 20 years. She also has done so much to help her women’s club and her church.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Androscoggin Town: Mechanic Falls

2020 Award Winner: Jay Bryant & Justin Starbird

Winner Accomplishments: Each year the Mechanic Falls Town Council selects an individual or group in the town who represents excellence in community service and volunteerism to receive the Spirit of America Award.

This year the town council chose to recognize two individuals who have worked collaboratively for years to benefit this community and specifically youth sports. Jay Bryant & Justin Starbird have dedicated their time and energies to the Recreation Committee, assuring Mechanic Falls youths have opportunities to participate in individual and team sports & learn life lessons of fair play, being graceful at winning and losing, and realizing the value of one’s role in team efforts.

Jay Bryant has volunteered and served on many of the town committees over the years. His passion for giving back however, has been made most evident with his impact on our community’s youth sports programs. As his children (and all of their friends) grew up, Jay was always an eager volunteer and willing participant to jump in wherever his expertise was asked for. He will be the first to say that he is one of many who have made it happen. However, without Jay’s vision, leadership, and passion many of these projects would have never gotten started.

Justin Starbird has served on the Mechanic Falls Recreation Committee since 2013, in a myriad of ways. Some of his contributions include hosting evening events for adults at the American Legion, a Harvest Festival for families to enjoy, and the Ken Grant 3-on-3 tournament. Justin’s vision, passion and energy has led to program growth, operational efficiency and community inclusion. Starbird also is a passionate coach for his daughters, a willing referee, and coordinator of program meetings.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Androscoggin Town: Minot

2020 Award Winner: Minot Consolidated School Community Club

Winner Accomplishments: Minot Community Club is the parent-teacher group supporting the students of Minot Consolidated School.

The Club’s mission is to support our students’ academic and extracurricular growth by organizing school-wide events and enrichment programs that give kids and their families the opportunity to connect with classmates, teachers, and friends. These events and activities are paid for with profits from year-round fundraising efforts.

Any Minot resident, employee of the school department, or non-resident who is a parent or legal guardian of a current student at Minot Consolidated School is eligible to become a member upon attending one regular meeting between the months of September through May of the current school calendar year. The Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month, October–June (September’s meeting is on the 2nd Tuesday).

Annually, the Club hosts or provides funding for:

Healthy Snack Cart – Making healthy snack options available to all students, every day.

Healthy Little Chefs – This after-school program introduces kids to the preparation and cooking of their own healthy snacks. And when kids are done snacking, they’re able to participate in learning new physical activities and games.

Trunk-or-Treat – A safe alternative to traditional house-to-house trick-or-treating

Bring A Veteran to Lunch – The Club covers the cost of lunch for visiting Veterans

The Giving Fair – Where students get to go “shopping” in the Gym and pick 2 gifts for loved ones at home

Holiday Craft Fair – Featuring local vendors and craftspeople, plus Minot School entrepreneurs, a Fancy Clothing Boutique (where “purchases” are FREE!), raffles, food offerings, and more!

Pastries with Parents – A before-school breakfast event to thank parents for their support

Field Day – The school’s annual end-of-year, outdoor activity celebration

In addition to annual events, the Club also funded a number of special visitors and activities in 2019:

Author Ruth Freeman of Portland, Maine – Ruth shared with students her new book called, “One Good Thing About America”. The unique letter-writing style of the book was something that was new and interesting to many students.

AudioBody – This high-energy comedy, juggling, and entertainment duo wowed students and staff with their tricks and humor. The pair also shared positive messages about goal setting and overcoming challenges.

Skate Night on Ice – Minot School families were invited to enjoy an afternoon of skating (and skate rentals) at no cost to families. Two lucky attendees went home with gift certificates to FunZ Trampoline Park.

Spring Family Dances – All students and their family members were invited to dance the night away at the Maine Wedding Barn.

Walking Club Scanner App and Cards – Community Club funded the purchase of a scanner app subscription to make counting laps quick and easy. Students just scan their card each time they complete a lap.

Classroom Libraries – Community Club gave $100 to each teacher K–6 to help bolster their classroom libraries.

Flexible Seating – Community Club purchased one flexible seating item for each classroom. Students are now enjoying wobble cushions, “scoop” rocking chairs, bean bag chairs, and more.

Chewonki Owls Program – 30 students were treated to this after-school program by Chewonki. Students got to listen to owl calls; fly and hunt like owls; examine wings and talons; and even got to meet live owls!

Sensory Walk – Community Club provided funding for the design and installation of floor decals for hopscotch and other physical activity prompts, to provide a space for kids to take a break.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Androscoggin Town: RSU #4

2020 Award Winner: Oak Hill High School Legislative Assembly

Winner Accomplishments: Oak Hill High School Legislative Assembly is the equivalent of a student council, helps make changes at the school and does projects to help its community. For example, the group annually organizes a holiday food baskets program – which provides food to families in Litchfield, Wales and Sabattus. Money to purchase the goods was raised last time by a school dance, teacher jeans day, anonymous community and teacher “Santas” and Advisory Class donations. OHLA raised enough money to help 21 families, which included more than 40 children in the community.

Legislative Assembly also has organized a toy drive, nominates teachers for teacher of the month, chooses an individual each month to receive the Raider Recognition award, helps plan activities for Winter Carnival and runs a blood drive twice a year.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Androscoggin Town: Sabattus

2020 Award Winner: Judy Cyr

Winner Accomplishments: At the beginning of COVID-19 Judy Cyr began making free face coverings for area residents, businesses and municipal employees – she has made a lot of masks!

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Androscoggin Town: Wales

2020 Award Winner: Marilyn Greenwood

Winner Accomplishments: Marilyn Greenwood runs the Wales Food Pantry, delivers food to those in need, checks on and assists elderly residents and others in need.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Allagash

2020 Award Winner: Allagash Historical Society

Winner Accomplishments: Allagash Historical Society was founded on April 9,1975 by a group of people under the leadership of Edith Kelly to preserve the history of the town of Allagash and its people. A museum was built on the banks of the St. John River and later another building was erected to display larger pieces of historical materials. The work of the Society is handled mainly by volunteers. Its finances come from various fund-raisers, grants, dues, and an annual town appropriation to cover the insurance of the buildings. The museum generally is open to the public on summer weekends. Allagash Historical Society’s write-up of its town’s history makes interesting reading.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Amity

2020 Award Winner: Amity Baptist Church

Winner Accomplishments: Amity Baptist Church was organized in 1835, its building was built in 1863 and the church was the religious, social & cultural center of the town. The church has never closed. Amity Baptist does a lot of community outreach for a small parish. Its members deliver groceries & meals and provide rides to doctor appointments to those in need – they assist Meals on Wheels and Aroostook Area on Aging & are especially helpful to senior citizens. Amity Baptist organizes free community meals the Saturday before holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The church participates in Celebrate Recovery (a program helping recovering addicts,) Water for the World (a program providing water to poor countries), and it gives a considerable amount of money to help support missionaries. Church pastor, Richard McLaughlin, has been a Maine or New England Director of such programs & has helped inspire Amity Baptist to its impressive accomplishments.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Ashland

2020 Award Winner: Ashland Community Library

Winner Accomplishments: Ashland Community Library has existed for 60 years & has offered a number of activities over that span. Beginning on the top floor of a house, the library now has its own building (thanks to its fundraising efforts & donations from local businesses). The library, which has expanded over the years, used to offer a lecture series to the public. Every year the local school librarian brings second-graders to Community Library, where its librarian reads them stories, gives them tours of the library and library cards. During a typical summer, Community Library teaches youngsters how to make fairy gardens & Santa Claus has given them kiddy bags at Christmastime.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Bridgewater

2020 Award Winner: Bridgewater Fire Department

Winner Accomplishments: Bridgewater Fire Department responds to an assortment of emergencies. For example, one January night this year the firefighters spent 7 hours valiantly trying to save the burning Bradbury Barrel Co. building. About a month later they responded to assist 15 people injured during a two-van collision under high wind whiteout conditions. The department consists of about 20 volunteer firefighters on call 24X7 to emergencies in their town or in nearby communities & who also spend countless hour in preparation training each year. Though their duties are challenging enough in normal times, these volunteers face additional personal risks and difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic as they battle to save the lives and properties of others.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Caribou

2020 Award Winner: Dr. Jean-Pierre Michaud & Scott Walton

Winner Accomplishments: Dr. Jean-Pierre Michaud & Scott Walton spend many hours each year maintaining community nature and walking trails around Pine Health Services. Their volunteer efforts support hospital workers, patients and the community at large.

Distinction: ” Dedication: No

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County: Aroostook Town: Caswell

2020 Award Winner: Pleasant Ridge Riders

Winner Accomplishments: Pleasant Ridge Riders began in 1997, obtained land access, designed snowmobile trails, cleared away brush, and cut down trees to make the trails operational. The snowmobile club currently maintains 60 miles of trails. Over its 23-year history Pleasant Ridge Riders has raised funds to benefit Pine Tree Camp and Maine Snowmobile Association & has hosted landowner appreciation dinners. In 2018 the group applied for and received a $100,000 grant (through the rural business development grant program) toward purchasing snowmobile trail grooming equipment. Ridge Riders organizes a golf tournament and runs suppers to raise funds for snowmobile trail maintenance expenses.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Eagle Lake

2020 Award Winner: Eagle Lake Fire Department

Winner Accomplishments: Eagle Lake Fire Department responds to emergencies in its town and in nearby communities. As an example, last year the department’s skills saved an Eagle Lake residence (from the same fire destruction suffered by a nearby home). “As soon as we got there we had to water down that that house; the vinyl was starting to melt on it”, said Chief Rene St. Onge. Project chairperson Robert St. Germain and other firefighters each October organize a Haunted Forest that the community enjoys and that raises $2,000 for the department. Firefighters undergo countless hour of emergency preparation training each year. These volunteers face additional personal risks and difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic as they battle to save the lives and properties of others.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Easton

2020 Award Winner: Easton Field Days

Winner Accomplishments: Easton Field Days is a multi-day July celebration that has been happening annually for 65-70 years. The festival features fireworks, a parade, bands, concerts, Vets Heroes’ Breakfast, golf & basketball tournaments, chicken barbecue, strawberry shortcake and much more. Every four years event organizers collaborate with the Alumni Committee to offer an ‘All School Reunion’. Several folks who no longer live in town plan their vacations to attend Field Days. Recreation Department, Kiwanis, Fire Dept., Snowmobile Club, churches and businesses are among the many organizations that host activities – teaming together to make things so enjoyable for all.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Fort Fairfield

2020 Award Winner: Fort Fairfield Rotary Club

Winner Accomplishments: Fort Fairfield Rotary Club organizes its Bike Rodeo each July in conjunction with Maine Potato Blossom Festival. The group coordinates the route and safety considerations with local police, makes bikes and helmets available, and arranges a hot dog roast afterwards. Fort Fairfield Rotary also does a Community Thanksgiving Dinner each November for local senior citizens, a Christmas project, a Paul Harris Dinner, a Rotary Spirit Student Award program, and presents college scholarships to a number of Fort Fairfield High School graduates. The club raises funds primarily through a huge Cash Draw each October and additionally through Vidalia Onion Sales each Spring.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Fort Kent

2020 Award Winner: Fort Kent Knights of Columbus Council #1934

Winner Accomplishments: Fort Kent Knights of Columbus Council #1934 is one of the largest and most active Councils in Maine. The group organizes an ongoing Lotto/Bingo to raise funds for charitable causes. Council #1934 also runs an annual Tootsie Roll campaign to help support people with disabilities & and it has organized many community breakfasts, socials & dances. Since COVID, Fort Kent KofC members have been delivering suppers to folks, watching out for the elderly and others in need.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Grand Isle

2020 Award Winner: Greater Grand Isle Historical Society

Winner Accomplishments: Greater Grand Isle Historical Society is a group of community members passionate about their history, language, and culture. The society preserves artifacts in its museum (a former church rectory), collects histories, and puts on various events to celebrate the town’s heritage. The group has written and obtained grants to fund worthwhile goals. Greater Grand Isle Historical is designing a ‘coloring’ book for distribution in area schools to pique youngsters’ interest in their Acadian culture. GGIHS’s best known fundraiser is serving home cooked breakfasts by society members dressed in white shirts and black ties each Sunday in May & another fundraiser is a pre-Thanksgiving meal.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Haynesville

2020 Award Winner: Haynesville Town Office Food Pantry

Winner Accomplishments: Haynesville Town Office Food Pantry is open 3 days/week and has been operating for at least 10 years. The Food Pantry has been serving about 50 households (mainly in Haynesville), but folks in neighboring towns might be able to arrange to get needed food. The pantry gets food through USDA, Good Shepherd and Catholic Charities, and a grant from USDA spares the town’s taxpayers from footing the bill. Volunteers play a key role with Haynesville’s Food Pantry. They pick up the food, bring it from vehicles into the town office and organize shelves.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Hodgdon

2020 Award Winner: Hodgdon Fire Department

Winner Accomplishments: Hodgdon Fire Department responds to fires in its town and in nearby communities. For example, last year its firefighters helped save a burning Linneus home in sub-zero temperatures & six months later they arrived within 2 minutes of a call about a truck fire in Hodgdon and prevented the flames from spreading to a house – earning public praise for their actions in both instances. Hodgdon Fire Dept. is composed of about 24 volunteer firefighters. They undergo countless hours of training each year in preparing to respond to emergencies. These volunteers face additional personal risks and difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic as they battle to save others’ lives and properties.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Houlton

2020 Award Winner: Robert E. Anderson

Winner Accomplishments: Bob Anderson is an icon in Houlton and has provided service to this community in a variety of ways over the years. Organizations that have benefitted from his involvement and leadership include the local Masonic Lodge and Shriners; the Chamber of Commerce who has recognized his as their Citizen of the Year; Houlton Lodge of Elks; and, the Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation. Bob has been instrumental in helping to raise over $1 million dollars for local health care through the County Open, Society of ’72 and the Boy & the Boot Endowment Fund. He was an integral part in the building of the Gateway Crossing Pedestrian Bridge and the development of Riverfront Park leading the Riverfront Park Committee for over 20 years. Bob’s continuous love of this community has made Houlton a better place to live, work and play.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Limestone

2020 Award Winner: Limestone Rotary Club

Winner Accomplishments: Limestone Rotary Club is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2020. Each year (for the past 25+ years) the club has organized a Spring Dinner for senior citizens in the Limestone-Caswell area, prepares 100-130 holiday gift baskets for folks in need and runs Purple Pinkie to raise funds to eradicate polio world-wide. Limestone Rotary’s two biggest fundraisers have been an annual Fall Auction (which has going on for 50+ years) and an annual Golf Tournament 4-Person Scramble (which club has been doing for 15+ years) – together these raise about $7,500 for Rotary charitable causes, including college scholarships for local graduating seniors. A few years ago the club built a park & gazebo and has turned those over to the Town of Limestone.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Linneus

2020 Award Winner: Linneus Sno-Sports Snowmobile Club

Winner Accomplishments: Linneus Sno-Sports Snowmobile Club was founded in 1976 to provide a warm atmosphere for snowmobilers and to maintain a system of trails. Every year, Linneus Sno-Sports grooms and preserves over 150 miles of trails in support of the snowmobiling community. Maintenance is an all-year endeavor, clearing fallen trees, as well as rebuilding and repairing bridges, and keeping up good relations with the generous landowners. The club also maintains over 6 miles of pristine cross-country ski trails. Linneus Sno Sports Snowmobile Club organizes many family and safety orientated events throughout the year and offers Bingo on Wednesday nights.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Littleton

2020 Award Winner: Littleton Fire Department

Winner Accomplishments: Littleton Fire Department responds to a variety of emergencies in its town and in nearby communities. For example, one Jan. night this year the firefighters spent many hours valiantly trying to save a burning Bridgewater building & the next month responded to assist 15 people injured during a two-van collision under high wind whiteout conditions. The department applied for and has received $500,000 in grants over the years (including $158,000 from FEMA for a new truck this year). Littleton Fire Dept. consists of about a dozen volunteer firefighters, who spend countless hour in preparation training each year. These volunteers face additional personal risks and difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic as they battle to save the lives and properties of others.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Madawaska

2020 Award Winner: Madawaska Historical Society

Winner Accomplishments: Madawaska Historical Society maintains the Blanche Museum & the Acadian Cross Shrine. The Society (which began in 1970) annually organizes Maine Acadian Day in the Valley (a June celebration featuring a mass, dinner and re-enactment ceremony) to commemorate the Acadians arrival in Madawaska. Historical Society also participates in the annual Acadian Festival (a celebration of Acadian families) & does fundraising to keep its historic center in repair. This year’s capital campaign was a special fundraising effort to restore a building in the complex. The local library keeps books of genealogy and other important paper documents of the society.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Mapleton, Castle Hill & Chapman

2020 Award Winner: Mapleton Daze Committee

Winner Accomplishments: The Mapleton Daze Committee was founded in 1989 and has volunteers from Mapleton, Castle Hill, Chapman and surrounding Towns, and has enhanced the communities by providing no cost family summer activities such as Bike Rodeo, where all children who participate are given a free helmet, Bingo and Cribbage Tournament with prizes, a parade, petting zoo, talent show, horse rides, inflatable rides, and face painting during the annual Mapleton Daze Festival. The Mapleton Daze Committee gives away approximately 12 bicycles to children who come and enter our giveaway and hosts multiple fundraising events during the year including family movie events, a Fall and Spring Craft show, stew night, Silent Auction, and Christmas movie/craft/cookie decorating day complete with Santa. The Mapleton Daze Committee is hereby recognized for their great achievements and honors that they have brought upon these communities with the 2020 Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Aroostook Town: Mars Hill

2020 Award Winner: Rotary Club of Mars Hill

Winner Accomplishments: Rotary Club of Mars Hill runs an annual turkey dinner (with proceeds going toward scholarships for graduating seniors) and the Mars Hill Open Rotary Golf Tournament (to raise funds to help support a local nursing home and SAD #42’s backpack program). The club also provides iPods to the nursing home so patients (many of whom have dementia) can enjoy music despite their infirmities. Mars Hill Rotary even visits a local school as part of the Purple Pinkie project to paint children’s fingers for $1 donations to raise funds to help eradicate polio world-wide. Other activities over the years: Mars Hill Pageants, Rotary Scholarship, Project Graduation, Kids Ski for Life at Big Rock, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, School Christmas Gift Drive, High School Food Cupboard, Polio Plus, Rotary Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Local Food Cupboard, Youth in Government, Christmas Shoe Box Project, Wreaths Around America, House of Comfort, Mars Hill Main Street Beautification, High School Booster Club (Scoreboard), Saturn Site, Mars Hill Airport, Nursing Home Activities Fund, TAMC Bed Project, Mars Hill Historical Society.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Merrill

2020 Award Winner: Lori Lawlor

Winner Accomplishments: Lori Lawlor has been a faithful ballot clerk for 30 years – she never misses an election! She also volunteered to be Merrill’s Cemetery Sexton. In addition, Lori was a member of the Tuesday Quilters for many years. (The Tuesday Quilters meet and sew quilts for families in need – they gift quilts to families who have lost loved ones, to members of the community going through sickness or difficult times. Tuesday Quilters also have sewn pillow cases for children in the hospital.) Furthermore, she and her husband Mark both have picked up litter from roadsides & removed old flowers from the cemetery.on Clean Up Community Day.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Merrill

2020 Award Winner: Mark Lawlor

Winner Accomplishments: Mark Lawlor has served the Town of Merrill as Selectman for 18 years, many of those years as Chair. Mark not only served as Selectman (retiring in 2020), but he did & will do whatever task is necessary, including applying calcium to the roads if they are dusty & marking lots at the cemetery. Mark also coaches Little League Teams for the area, coaching the season Little League and All Star Teams. In addition, he and his wife Lori both have picked up litter from roadsides & removed old flowers from the cemetery on Clean Up Community Day.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: New Canada

2020 Award Winner: Sly Brook Sno-Riders

Winner Accomplishments: Sly Brook Sno-Riders officially became incorporated in 1995, though its members had been designing and grooming trails since the 1970’s. This snowmobile club annually spends many hundreds of hours maintaining 35 miles of trails and has a membership of about 160. Sno-Riders does above and beyond what is expected of snowmobile clubs by the State of Maine. Although Sly Brook receives some funds through the state, that money only covers about 70% of the club’s annual trail maintenance expenses. Consequently the club runs fundraisers such as steak feeds so it can pay its bills and continue to provide such beautiful trails for snowmobile enthusiasts to enjoy each winter.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: New Sweden

2020 Award Winner: New Sweden Historical Society

Winner Accomplishments: New Sweden Historical Society was founded in 1926, and the group organizes New Sweden’s annual three-day Midsommer Festival. The 2020 celebration would have been huge (commemorating the town’s 150th birthday), but because of COVID-19 the Society instead held a very small Memorial Service in honor of Founder’s Day.

The society has an extensive collection of artifacts from the earliest days of settlement of the area: many portraits and photographs; household goods (including spinning wheels, fiber tools, and large weaving loom); food preparation tools, baskets, storage boxes, etc.

New Sweden Historical Society maintains the Capitol School Museum and Gift Shop, the Captain Clase House, and the Blacksmith and Woodworking Shop.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Oakfield

2020 Award Winner: Oakfield Historical Society

Winner Accomplishments: Oakfield Historical Society owns and operates (thanks to the efforts of volunteers) the Oakfield Railroad Museum (a former Bangor & Aroostook Railroad depot rehabbed in 1991, steeped in the lore of the railroad & the importance of the town as a division point). Inside the historic wood-frame station, visitors can see hundreds of historic photographs, vintage signs and advertising pieces, signal lanterns, original railroad maps, telegraph equipment, newspapers, a Hand Car and a Motor Car, restored mail carts, the C-66 caboose, the weathervane from atop the old water tower demolished in 1982. The restoration of the station by Oakfield Historical Society and its acceptance by National Register of Historic Places is a monument to human persistence in the face of obstacles.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Portage Lake

2020 Award Winner: Portage Lake Summer Round-up Days

Winner Accomplishments: Portage Lake Summer Round-up Days is an annual mid-August Festival that typically features things such as a variety show, whoopie pies festival, fireworks, parade, pig roast, canoe carrying contest and chub tournament. The local ATV and Snowmobile Clubs, Historical Society, Portage Lake Association, and town team together to make things happen. 2020 will be the 6th year of the Round-up Days festival. Though this year’s event will be smaller because of COVID-19, there will be fireworks and a town-wide squares project to raise money for the Historical Society.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Presque Isle

2020 Award Winner: Presque Isle Kiwanis Club

Winner Accomplishments: Presque Isle Kiwanis Club organizes a Swing into Spring Showcase that was attended by 3,000 people and raised $8,000 its first year, a Gala & Auction with Rotary to raise money for a local charity, and a Poker Tournament.

Kiwanis also organizes a Monster Mash Family Costume Dance that provides a safe environment Halloween event for area youth, a Turkey Drive that helps needy families at Thanksgiving, an Christmas Basket Project to collect toys for needy families and provide them with food cards, a ‘SOUPERbowl Challenge’ collection, it acquires/purchases items (such as back packs, crayons, small pencils, glue sticks, note books, copy paper) and donates these to Pine Street Elementary School, and the club even provides manpower for the Lil’l Farmers program.

In addition to everything else, Presque Isle Kiwanis cooks hot dogs at events as a service to other organizations & to raise money for Kiwanis charities.

The club annually gives thousands of dollars in donations, including college scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: RSU #27

2020 Award Winner: Fort Kent Community High School 2020 Winter Carnival Food Drive

Winner Accomplishments: Fort Kent Community High School 2020 Winter Carnival Food Drive

Early this year Fort Kent Community High School students donated more than 5,000 cans of food to the Greater Fort Kent Ecumenical Food Pantry.

The students collected the food during a weeklong Winter Carnival competition the high school held in February.

The Fort Kent senior class won the overall Winter Carnival competition, but the community also won as a result of the generous donations from the grades nine-12 students.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Sherman

2020 Award Winner: Sherman Old Home Days Festival

Winner Accomplishments: Sherman Old Home Days Festival each Labor Day weekend features a parade, talent show, book sale, auction, dance, pageant, contests, music. Washburn Memorial Church (in Sherman) has spearheaded the celebration every year beginning in 1932 (when the event was a community picnic). Other organizations help by sponsoring various activities. For example: Fire Dept. hosts beano, 5th graders do a Kids Carnival, Masons have a breakfast, Town of Sherman does fireworks, Sherman Alumni host a dance.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Smyrna

2020 Award Winner: Kevin Brannen

Winner Accomplishments: Perry Lilley and Kevin Brannen – both have served on the Board of Selectmen for the Town of Smyrna for over 30 years! Both are local business men – Perry Lilley owns and operates Lilley Farms, a local dairy farm – employing many people of the area. Kevin is owner and operator of Spring Break & Honey – a local business that harvests, processes and ships maple syrup, maple candy and honey. Spring Break also employs many local people.

Perry and Kevin are forward thinkers, they are conscientious and frugal with the town’s money & they look for the best way to do any project that will best serve the most people. Perry & Kevin have seen the town through many projects, all successful. They both have the town’s best interest at heart – they never think of how this will benefit themselves – but put the town first.

The town of Smyrna is a successful, growing, thriving, healthy community because of the foresight and service of Perry Lilley and Kevin Brannen. They are real leaders who are ready to step in and help with any project & they also serve on many other local committees – including the Historical Rail Road Society in Oakfield, the Smyrna Merrill Historical Society and many other worthy causes.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Smyrna

2020 Award Winner: Perry Lilley

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: St. Agatha

2020 Award Winner: St. Agatha Fire Department

Winner Accomplishments: St. Agatha Fire Department responds to a variety of emergencies in its town and nearby communities. For example, two years ago the Department very quickly contained a gas grill fire at the Pelletier Island home of County Manager Ryan Pelletier. St. Agatha Fire applies for and receive financial help – the department recently acquired a Jaws of Life thanks to a grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation to extricate people trapped in vehicles. Though the 20 St. Agatha firefighters receive stipends, that’s really only partial compensation for their 24X7 availability and many personal sacrifices. They spend countless hours each year in emergency preparation training. St. Agatha’s firefighters face additional personal risks and difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic as they battle to save the lives and properties of others.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: St. Francis

2020 Award Winner: St. Francis Historical Society

Winner Accomplishments: St. Francis Historical Society began in 1985 & preserves the history of its town (which was the end of the line of Bangor and Aroostook Railroad). The Society’s museum (which used to be the old school) generally is open to the public on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. A few years ago the Society worked with Vets to place monuments on that property. Besides preserving Madawaska history, the society helps set up and organizes a family barbecue, talent show and pie contest for Family Fun Days. Each autumn Historical Society also teams with Friends of St. Francis to organize a harvest supper and barbecue.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Stockholm

2020 Award Winner: David Peterson

Winner Accomplishments: David Peterson recognized a grant opportunity and won a grant to fund a boat launch.

He raised matching funds and more (in excess of $50,000).

Peterson brought his community together to reach for a common goal &

brought to fruition Stockholm’s vision of an integrated outdoor recreation complex.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Aroostook Town: Wallagrass

2020 Award Winner: Wallagrass/Soldier Pond Revitalization Committee

Winner Accomplishments: Wallagrass/Soldier Pond Revitalization Committee organizes annual PondFest (held at end of June & 6th event was held in 2019) to raise funds for community improvement efforts. The festival features fireworks, parade, the Private Duck Race (for which rubber ducks are sold), canoe races, horse rides, children’s games, face-painting, and a bounce house. Necklaces are distributed, the barbecue is free & the celebration is like a family reunion. Revitalization Committee also organizes a Mother’s Day Supper to benefit Wallagrass Community Center & raised $500 last time. It has played an important role with the Vets memorial, street lights, a pavilion and with displaying 200-250 flags around town. Revitalization Committee is the glue that bonds its community together in a special way.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Washburn

2020 Award Winner: Washburn August Festival

Winner Accomplishments: Washburn August Festival is an annual mid-August three-day festival that has taken place for the past 39 years. The celebration begins Friday evening with a huge pot-luck homecoming banquet for adults at the high school (where school & family reunions and weddings happen). There are movies outside for children. Saturday activities include a 5-K race, parade, dedication event, craft & vendor fair, baked bean supper and musical entertainment. Sunday features a gospel concert. The Rotary Club, school, fire department, historical society, library, ATV and Snowmobile Clubs, and businesses team together to make things go smoothly.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Aroostook Town: Weston

2020 Award Winner: East Grand School National Honor Society

Winner Accomplishments: Each year East Grand School National Honor Society partners with Machias Savings Bank to gather and distribute Christmas gifts to children of the area who are in need. The National Honor Society members gather the info (likes, sizes, hobbies), place tags on the Angel Tree at the local Machias Savings Bank branch and then wrap and distribute the gifts.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Cumberland Town: Baldwin

2020 Award Winner: Glenn Haines

Winner Accomplishments: Glenn Haines served in the Coast Guard during the Grenada invasion and Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. He co-founded Baldwin Historical Society in 1991 & has served as President, VP and a member of the board. Haines donated the Chadbourne Homestead to BHS.

He has served as contact person of First Congregational Church of East Baldwin Food Pantry & has done other things to help that Food Pantry and the church.

Glenn also has been a Boy Scout leader, Board member of Brown Memorial Library, member of Mt Etna Grange, and also has helped the Baldwin Community Center. In addition, he took responsibility of raising and lowering the flag when appropriate at the Soldiers monument

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Cumberland Town: Bridgton

2020 Award Winner: Father Michael McGivney Knights of Columbus Council #11376

Winner Accomplishments: Father Michael McGivney Knights of Columbus Council #11376 was named Maine’s 2019 Most Outstanding Council in Division B for its many faith-filled programs, activities and initiatives in the parish and community. In existence for 25 years, Council #11376’s recent efforts have included: restoring St Joseph’s Church, raising about $3,000 from the annual Tootsie Roll drive to benefit people with disabilities, donating coats to schools, providing heat-saving storm windows at heavily discounted prices to the community, and organizing fundraising dinners/events to benefit Mother Seton House and other charitable causes.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Cumberland Town: Brunswick

2020 Award Winner: Climate Club of Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School

Winner Accomplishments: Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School Climate Club organized a peaceful strike and marched to Brunswick Town Office demanding that the town adopt a climate action plan. Climate Club had arranged a showing of the ‘Our Climate Our Future’ movie to mobilize students for those efforts.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Cumberland Town: Cumberland

2020 Award Winner: Cumberland Historical Society

Winner Accomplishments: Cumberland Historical Society (CHS) was founded in 1939 through the dedicated eﬀorts of Herman and Phyllis Sweetser. The meetings were ﬁrst held in the Prince Memorial Library. In 1989 CHS moved into a home of its own. That building was built in 1853 as a one-room schoolhouse; the bricks of which were ﬁred right in the town. Cumberland Historical Society is a group of about 100 members; all volunteers.

Meetings are held once a month, from September through June, excluding December, and an Open House is held on Memorial Day after the parade. In May, a two‐hour walking historical tour of the center of town is given to the second grades at the Mabel I. Wilson Elementary School as a part of their community curriculum. Individual tours are oﬀered to anyone else who contacts the CHS. Historic home tours are usually scheduled through the Cumberland Recreation Department. There are over 200 homes in the town that are over 100 years old; 50 from that inventory are over 200 years old.

The museum is the repository of an interesting collection of artifacts that connect with Cumberland. They range from home deeds from the 1700’s to pieces of dinnerware brought back from England by one of the town’s sea captains to his wife. Native American artifacts, Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI and WWII items also are available to view. A number of family genealogies and histories of businesses of the town are in development.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Cumberland Town: Gray

2020 Award Winner: Ray Clark

Winner Accomplishments: Town of Gray

Municipal Resolution

The 2020 Gray, Maine Spirit of America Foundation Tribute honors Ray Clark for his long, distinguished, and commendable community service to the town.

A Resolution by the Gray Town Council is as follows:

Whereas, Ray served as editor of the Gray News for many years, sharing folksy wisdom and political commentary; and

Whereas, Ray served for many years on the Gray Library Board of Trustees, ably piloting the library through a $1.5 million renovation and the search for a new Library Director; and

Whereas, Ray has always been willing to get his hands dirty, as evidenced by this story from Josh Tiffany, Gray Library Director, who began work just before the Gray Library renovations were set to begin. “About a week before the ground was officially broken by our contractors, I was told I had to get the basement of the library cleaned out. At that point, the basement had been the longtime home of the GPLA book sale, plus the “storage” for years of items that weren’t thrown away yet no one had any idea why they were retained in the first place… After putting out calls for help to anyone whose email I had, I and a few staff members entered the dark basement and started the process of unclogging generations of stuff to make way for our new library. Within a matter of hours Ray arrived on site and put in more work than me and my staff combined. He put in more hours than any other volunteer and worked until we were all drenched and sweaty and exhausted. And through his tireless help, we were able to achieve our goal. But seeing him breathing hard, dripping with sweat, yet smiling the entire time let me know the character of this man…;” and

Whereas, For many years Ray gave a dramatic reading of “The Night Before Christmas” at the annual tree lighting ceremony at town hall, delighting both children and adults; and

Whereas, Ray helped found the Friends of the Gray Wildlife Park and has served as Chair of the Friends for many years, successfully raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to transform the Park from the old Game Farm to the wildly popular tourist destination over 100,000 visitors enjoy each year. As Ray once said, ““Kids need animals. They need to see these wild animals and understand that animals deserve respect, because I think that helps them understand that everybody deserves respect, and they do too.”

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Gray Town Council, in sincere gratitude and appreciation, that Ray Clark is hereby recognized for his exemplary citizenship and outstanding achievements with the 2020 Gray Spirit of America Foundation award.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Cumberland Town: Naples

2020 Award Winner: Songo Garden Club

Winner Accomplishments: Songo Garden Club is currently made up of 32 individuals who volunteer their time and talents for the beautification of Naples public spaces. These folks spend hours ensuring that various garden spaces in the community are blooming with fantastic natural colors, and they maintain the plantings through the growing season.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Cumberland Town: North Yarmouth

2020 Award Winner: Economic Development & Sustainability Committee

Winner Accomplishments: After 9 years of hard work and dedication, the Economic Development & Sustainability Committee implemented a strategic development plan for the Town of North Yarmouth focusing on the town’s comprehensive plan vision. This vision and accomplishment includes North Yarmouth’s first Tax Increment Financing District in the Village Center to promote new residential and commercial growth.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Cumberland Town: Portland

2020 Award Winner: Jennifer Davie & Ella Davie

Winner Accomplishments: Jennifer and Ella heard of the need of Portland’s Family Shelter and coordinated collection efforts in communities throughout Northern New England. They worked with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in each community to collect and donate the following to the shelter: 3,160 feminine hygiene products, 43 boxes of tissues, 102 hair care products, 162 cleaning products, 529 tubes toothpaste, 104 bottles of lotion, 3,559 diapers, 141 toothbrushes, 4,098 baby wipes and hundreds and hundreds of winter jackets, scarves, gloves and hats.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Cumberland Town: Raymond

2020 Award Winner: Richard & Cleo Sanborn

Winner Accomplishments: Richard & Cleo Sanborn have a strong sense of civic responsibility and have served on several town committees. They are deeply rooted in family values and a lifetime of helping others in need. The Sanborn’s have always displayed a positive approach and a sense of humor even when managing personal hardships. It is their qualities of faith, family and community that made Raymond proud to select Richard & Cleo Sanborn as its 2020 Spirit of America honorees.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Cumberland Town: Scarborough

2020 Award Winner: Scarborough Lions Club

Winner Accomplishments: Scarborough Lions Club financed and outfitted an ambulance as one of its first projects 65+ years ago – that ambulance was the beginning of the first municipal rescue service in the State of Maine. Today Scarborough Lions collects medical equipment such as crutches, wheelchairs, walkers etc. & is the group responsible for distributing throughout the state these items (after sanitization) plus medical equipment collected by other Maine Lions clubs. Though it does a number of other projects, its role as ’the Distributor’ is what differentiates Scarborough Lions from other clubs and earns it special esteem.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Cumberland Town: Sebago

2020 Award Winner: Rita Dolloff

Winner Accomplishments: Whereas, Rita Dolloff has been committed to the betterment of the Town of Sebago for over 60 years; like her father before her, has long embraced the values of the Spirit of America, such as strong family values, Community Service and patriotism as part of her everyday life; and

Whereas; Rita joined the Fireman’s Auxiliary in her teens; and

Whereas; Rita has worked ceaselessly for the Auxiliary ever since, serving as their President for many years, and

Whereas, when serving as President of the Auxiliary, the group decided to reform the group as the Sebago Volunteer Association, thereby expand their good works in the community, and

Whereas; Rita currently serves as the Treasurer of the Sebago Volunteer Association, and

Whereas, Ria is a strong supporter of Town activities for many years, and

Whereas, even with a dwindling volunteer base, Ria continues to keep the group active benefitting scholarships, fire victims, and the Fire and Rescue Departments,

Be it Resolved, by the Selectmen of the Town of Sebago, that Rita Dolloff is hereby recognized for her exemplary citizenship and outstanding achievements and honors brought upon this community, with the 2020 Sebago Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Cumberland Town: Standish

2020 Award Winner: Harold Ware

Winner Accomplishments: Harold Ware has served the Town of Standish Fire & EMS for more than 35 years. He is a member of the American Legion and advocates for Veterans tirelessly. Hal has also been a huge advocate to make sure all Standish’s veterans are honored with an American flag on their graves. He has lived in Standish his entire life and goes above and beyond for others.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Cumberland Town: Westbrook

2020 Award Winner: Gerry Pineau

Winner Accomplishments: Firefighter Gerry Pineau exhibits many wonderful attributes throughout the year, but last fall when the town of Farmington had a natural gas explosion, FF Pineau leadership skills went into immediate overdrive when he immediately requested permission to assist the towns Fire Fighter’s that he knew well and interacted with regularly. After the unimaginable event FF Pineau volunteered making sure that the town had Fire Fighter coverage given that the explosion injured many of his fellow Fire Fighters.

Along with volunteering his own time, he took it upon himself to assist all additional agencies and volunteer that came while Farmington was grieving the loss of a captain and waiting the return of the chief who was severely injured during the explosion. FF Pineau made sure everyone felt comfortable ensuring that the accommodation was met while covering day to day operations.

When the natural gas explosion in Farmington occurred on September 16, 2019, FF Pineau left his job with Westbrook Fire & Rescue with permission and drove directly to Farmington to assist, with what would become, one of the worst tragedies to strike the small town in Franklin County. As he grew up in that area, he knew many of the involved. Once he arrived, he took a lead in coordinating multiple activities, one which included ensuring that the Town’s Fire Department had adequate fire coverage. Departments from all over the State came to small town Farmington to provide station coverage and to ensure that the town had adequate fire protection 24/7.

FF Pineau took on the primary role as de facto logistics officer. As most people know, logistics within a fire department is no small task, regardless of the size of an agency. Logistics supports the mission of the FD by providing supplies and equipment for fire, EMS, haz-mat and tech rescue. Logistics is also responsible for management of facilities including household and office necessity and logistics strives to enhance the capabilities of an organization through technology, supply chain and staffing. However, the biggest challenge that FF Pineau and that Farmington Fire Department faced was ensuring that the Town had adequate coverage day and night. And this coverage (staffing) was not just for a couple of days, but was needed for a few months while the town and it’s firefighters recovered from the line of duty death of Fire Captain Mike Bell and from the catastrophic physical and emotional injuries suffered from their Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Captain and other firefighters.

Coordinating this as stated was no small feat as there were agencies that came from all over the State to provide coverage, most firefighters having never worked with one another and certainly most had never worked or responded mutual aid to the Town of Farmington. FF Pineau helped ensure that everyone felt comfortable at the station and that they all had maps, radios, food and beverages and whatever else they needed, as again, these firefighters were all volunteering their time, just as he was, to ensure that the town and its residents remained safe and had adequate fire protection as their bravest recovered from their physical injuries, emotional trauma or both.

In addition to the duties described, FF Pineau also assisted the families of the injured firefighters and acted as a liaison between them, the town and media where and when needed. He also kept in contact with Portland Fire officials and the Burn Foundation who were coordinating the logistics for the lodging for the families of those firefighters that were admitted to Maine Medical Center. Portland, Westbrook and countless other Firefighters stood vigil alongside Farmington Firefighters to ensure that both the admitted firefighters and their families always had a support network and whatever else that they may need during this difficult period.

His contributions to that community were far reaching and he was always there to any fellow brother or sister firefighter that may have needed a shoulder to lean on or to cry on. FF Pineau did this, not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. This is the type of person that FF Pineau is and the traits that he has are traits that all of us in the fire service strive for. They include – selflessness, tolerance, genuineness, integrity, humility.

Outside of this selfless act, FF Pineau time and time again has provided countless hours of service to the community of Westbrook. Over the past 5 years, he has been instrumental in growing our Fire Prevention and Life Safety Education Programs within the Community. He has ensured that our Fire Department has a presence within the community, specifically within the local schools and local elderly housing complexes year-round and not just during Fire Prevention Week, which is held in October. Annually, we now provide outreach education to nearly 2,500 children within the Westbrook school system and local daycares. This effort undoubtedly has had positive impacts on the children and on the elderly, both demographics that have the highest risk for morbidity and mortality in a fire situation.

Additionally, he has helped with several our Department’s outreach initiatives during the holiday season that we provide for those that may be less fortunate than us working in public safety. We provide a toy drive and we also collect money to purchase toys that are distributed to local families in need. We have also collected coats, hats, gloves, mittens, etc. for both adults and children that may not have adequate winter clothing. We then work with local non-profit agencies that will ultimately distribute on our behalf.

Firefighter Pineau has also assisted with backpack food programs in both Westbrook and within the Lewiston/Auburn area. He started the backpack food program with his daughter in the Lewiston area several years ago and that program has extended to the Westbrook area. Backpack food programs provide nutritious, non-perishable, easy to prepare food to children to ensure that they get enough food on weekends and holidays to avoid hunger when they can’t depend on school meals. By providing kids with the key nutrients they need when they are away from school, they are better able to show up to the classroom, healthy and ready to learn. Although we still have significant issues surrounding food insecurity, programs such as this, helps reduce this.

And finally, FF Pineau volunteers his time to teach EMS classes throughout the region. He does this to ensure that his fellow EMT’s and Paramedics have enough continuing education hours to relicense through Maine EMS and through the National Registry of EMTs. This is a huge help to agencies as continuing education training programs are often hard to come by and are costly to agencies.

With all of this, I feel Firefighter/Paramedic would be a great candidate for the Spirit of America Tribute Award for the City of Westbrook. As demonstrated time and time again, FF Pineau continues to demonstrate selflessness which means putting the community’s needs above your own instead of acting in your own best interest. Some say that acting selflessly is not easy, but all we need to do is look at what FF Pineau has done and continues to do and if we start practicing it in our own lives, the better we will all be at get at being kind and generous more often.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Cumberland Town: Yarmouth

2020 Award Winner: Jane Fulton

Winner Accomplishments: There are two distinguishing characteristics which define Jane Fulton (this year’s Boyd Award and Yarmouth Spirit of America Award winner): optimism and kindness. At a time when our society is marked by cynicism and fear, this student serves as a beacon of light, since these qualities are needed more than ever.

As one teacher remarks, Jane does it all with incredible optimism. This recently graduating senior exudes positivity and confidence at all times, but does so without arrogance. In fact, what sets this student apart from others is her humility as this senior is regarded as one of the most down to Earth students at Yarmouth High School. Her leadership is marked by a steadfast conviction to serve others. Described as a quiet leader, she is one who leads by example and listening to others.

Finally, this student’s most enduring legacy to Yarmouth High School is her uncanny ability to connect with and care about people. Jane makes her peers feel heard, and cared for. As one of her coaches notes: Above all else, she is one of the kindest individuals I know. Her willingness to reach out and lend a helping hand, say a kind word, or include someone in the conversation who has been pushed to the outside, is what really sets her aside from the crowd.

Congratulations to Yarmouth Spirit of America Award winner Jane Fulton.

Distinction: ” Dedication: No

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County: Franklin Town: Chesterville

2020 Award Winner: Glenda Barker

Winner Accomplishments: Glenda Barker is a volunteer involved in many aspects of serving her community.

Glenda has served on the Chesterville Budget Committee and has been a ballot clerk for years. She was an organizer for the original Chesterville Fun Days and has been involved since the event restarted. Part of the North Chesterville Extension Homemakers, you will find her serving cold drinks that day.

Glenda has been a member of Franklin County Extension Homemaker groups for more than 20 years. No project is too small or too big. Glenda dedicates herself 100%. Her biscuits, doughnuts, pies or cakes are part of a team effort to raise funds through the Homemaker’s bake sales.

The North Chesterville Homemakers hold bake sales during elections at the town office. Proceeds from those sales have been used to improve the town office in numerous ways.

Glenda also helps organize the town Halloween party, Christmas party, and free senior citizen St. Patrick’s Day luncheon. Glenda is there providing time and leadership to make sure events run smoothly. She has taught classes on Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and has served as Vice President of the North Chesterville Homemakers.

When Glenda joined the Chesterville Grange, members quickly recognized her many talents. Before meetings she would invite the ladies to her home where all enjoyed her delicious refreshments. They learned Glenda didn’t like potluck suppers. She planned and made ‘real meals’ instead.

Glenda is also a member of Somerset Pomona Grange where she is the Overseer and a member of the Women’s Committee. She serves on the Maine State Grange Agriculture Committee.

Chesterville Grange members were found at Glenda’s home before the annual Christmas Party making popcorn balls. They also spent time and energy turning the hall into a winter wonderland. She has played Mrs. Santa Claus for hundreds of children, making sure they received gifts from Santa.

“Whatever Glenda Barker is asked to do, she is ready,” fellow Grange member Harriet Spencer said recently.

Glenda and George began the Chesterville Grange Haunted Halloween hay rides, with George driving the hay wagon and Glenda ensuring there were plenty of games and food for the children. More than one decided halfway through the ride that they couldn’t finish it as there were scary monsters along the way and a haunted house at the Tibbet’s. Once again a lot of work and time was put into creating a good time for the community, and much of it was due to Glenda’s determination.

Speaking of decorating, Glenda has totes and rooms full of items to celebrate any holiday. She takes the time to make sure that the appropriate seasonal decorations are there for town events.

Glenda is often at the town office decorating the for an event. If you ask Glenda for a few decorations, chances are she will load you up with a few boxes, some ‘design tips’ and then may come over and help you set them up!

Glenda has been involved with the Farmington Fair, both through the Grange and when George was Grounds Supervisor. She helped George with rental contracts and started helping John Edgerly with the entries from Granges, their fancy work, the flowers and paintings in the Exhibition Hall.

In December, 2002 Glenda was elected a Trustee and became supervisor of the Exhibition Hall. Under her guidance the hall has been named the state’s best exhibiton hall two or three times.

Glenda has been an integral part of Chesterville as far back as many can remember. Some memories include her cooking, organizing, and working all day at Saturday bean suppers.

The Heritage Society has been a recipient of Glenda’s generosity for many years. It has a deep appreciation for Glenda Barker and her support.

Hunters breakfasts, Harvest Dinners, county Extension celebrations and town meeting suppers are generously supported by Glenda’s famous biscuits and her home made donuts. People come to the Hunters breakfast early just to have the chance to pick up a few of her donuts for breakfast and one or two for their trek into the woods. And those who work those dinners are always hoping there will be a few biscuits left over so they can enjoy her baking talents!

Glenda’s advice to others, “Volunteer. Get involved.”

Her husband George says, “Glenda puts her heart into everything.”

Glenda Barker is the definition of a caring community activist who passionately supports her town and her community. She gives more than expected and her neighborliness is what makes her such an asset to the town of Chesterville.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Franklin Town: Eustis

2020 Award Winner: Stratton-Eustis Lions Club

Winner Accomplishments: Stratton-Eustis Lions Club has organized a Halloween Party (for 40+ years), Christmas Tree Lighting (with cocoa, cookies and caroling), Senior Holiday Dinner (in December), White Cane Days, Peace Poster Contest (for 11-13 year olds), and a Speak Out Contest (for high schoolers). In addition the club organizes ‘Stuff the Bus’ to collect food for the local food pantry during the community’s winter festival, delivers food to those in need, and awards scholarships to local students. Stratton-Eustis Lions also collects glasses, hearing aids and old cell phones for recycling/re-use & helps purchase new pairs of glasses for those in need. Recently this club presented the town with two Automatic External Defibrillator Units, which were bought from Lions’ bottle/can collection funds!

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Franklin Town: Jay

2020 Award Winner: Robert Shink

Winner Accomplishments: The 2020 Jay, Maine Spirit of America Foundation Tribute honors Robert “Bob” Shink for commendable community service. A Resolution by the Selectboard of the Town of Jay as follows:

Whereas, Bob exemplifies the meaning of volunteerism and has unselfishly given his time and energy to others; and

Whereas, Bob is a conscientious citizen whose parents emigrated to this country from Canada for economic reasons and he began his dedication to helping others by volunteering to serve in the US Army during World War II; and

Whereas, Bob served his community as a volunteer firefighter for over eighteen years before retiring from International Paper Company in 1987; and

Whereas, Bob is a strong advocate for children with special needs, volunteering for Special Olympics for over forty years; and Program Dawn (now Work First) for thirty-five years and consistently assisting disability groups in Franklin County as President of Work First; and

Whereas, Bob’s civic mindedness is further exemplified by his willingness to promote democracy by encouraging people from Coburn Gore to Jay to “Get Out the Vote” on election day.

Therefore, Be it Resolved by the Selectboard of the Town of Jay, in sincere gratitude and appreciation, that Bob Shink is hereby recognized for his exemplary citizenship and outstanding achievements and honors brought upon this community, with the 2020 Town of Jay Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Franklin Town: Temple

2020 Award Winner: Temple Historical Society

Winner Accomplishments: Now honoring Temple Historical Society. In 1979, while shingling the town hall roof, Hartley Farmer and Dick Blodgett began reminiscing about their ancestors, who were some of the early settlers of Temple. The result of that conversation was the formation of the Temple Historical Society formed by a group of local families who came together with a common goal of recording and preserving the history of our small town for this generation and for the future. The first project was the restoration of the “District No. 5 Schoolhouse” or as we know it, the Red Schoolhouse which in 1985 was listed on the “National Register of Historic Places”. Meetings were usually held at the RSH and included a pot luck supper.

As more donations came in and more safe storage was needed, the selectmen offered us the use of the large classroom at the town building where we now hold our meetings every third Monday at 6:30 PM. Our meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. Our active membership is small; however, we have members from many states who still have ties to Temple.

Our history has been scanned and archived by students from UMF who worked with us through the Community Partners Program and may be viewed on the Temple Town Office website under “historical.”

The Historical Society room is open on Mondays and Thursday during town office hours or by contacting a member of the society.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Franklin Town: Weld

2020 Award Winner: Jerome Nering

Winner Accomplishments: Jerome Nering, Jerry to the community, arrived at 1 School Street in October of 1986, where he and his bride began new lives as the proprietors of Weld’s General Store. When not behind the cash register, Jerry chose to dedicate his spare time to many of the town’s civic groups. From his work at the town post office during the 90s; his efforts with the conservation groups servicing Mt. Blue and Tumbledown; his position on the town planning board (98-02); and his courage and bravery serving of the Weld Fire Department, Jerry has shown time and again his love for our quaint little town.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Hancock Town: Bucksport

2020 Award Winner: Don Houghton & Sandy Holmes

Winner Accomplishments: Don Houghton & Sandy Holmes have served this community for many years as owner and operator of the local weekly newspaper – The Enterprise. Their dedication to the reporting of the affairs of the Town for the most part goes unheralded. Their commitment to the youth of the community is apparent through the posting of photos, sports scores, and all school events. They attend all special events in Town as well as meetings of local government and the local school district – and they run the paper more for the sake of the community than from any profit that is received. They are to be commended for their efforts.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Hancock Town: Castine

2020 Award Winner: Castine Fire Rescue Department

Winner Accomplishments: Castine Fire Rescue Department annually responds to many emergencies. In addition to this, Fire Rescue also hosts Flying Santa’s visit to Castine in December, plays a key role in the annual Halloween party and storytelling event, has helped Boy Scouts and others learn about fire safety and done even more. Though their duties are challenging enough in normal times, these volunteers face additional personal risks and difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic as they battle to save the lives and properties of others.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Hancock Town: Ellsworth

2020 Award Winner: Gary Fortier

Winner Accomplishments: Gary Fortier started out as a teenager in 1970 serving as a volunteer with the city’s fire department, carrying on a family tradition that involved his grandfather, father and older brothers.

In addition to his firefighter duties and later serving over 20 years on Ellsworth City Council, Fortier also has volunteered on more than a dozen different city committees and civic organizations.

City Councilor John Moore said there is no way to accurately tally the total number of times or ways that Fortier has helped out with city programs or decisions. Volunteering his skills as an electrician for local community events and clearing snow from the city hockey rink on early winter mornings are just two of the ways Gary has volunteered his time.

Fortier is grateful for the many opportunities he has had to serve, including his involvement in recent years with the Maine Municipal Association and, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, on the state emergency response commission.

His tendency to drop what he was doing to volunteer to help someone out has been exemplary of Gary Fortier’s commitment to public service.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Hancock Town: Franklin

2020 Award Winner: Hugh Hooper

Winner Accomplishments: Hugh Hooper over 25 years years ago became chair of the newly-created Franklin Water Board that was charged with helping find a permanent solution to the town’s then inadequate water supply. More recently he has served on the Planning Board and as a Franklin Assessor. Hugh has done many other things to help his community.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Hancock Town: Hancock

2020 Award Winner: Hancock Volunteer Fire Department

Winner Accomplishments: Hancock Volunteer Fire Department has annually hosted the Lobster Classic Road Race, Santa Run and Memorial Day Parade, has taught community CPR classes, has done fundraisers for community causes and an assortment of other acts of kindness for folks over the years. All of this is in addition to responding to numerous emergencies and undergoing countless hours of preparatory training. Though their duties are challenging enough in normal times, these volunteers face additional personal risks and difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic as they battle to save the lives and properties of others.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Hancock Town: Lamoine

2020 Award Winner: Kasey Jordan & Lily Philbrook

Winner Accomplishments: Kasey Jordan and Lily Philbrook are Girl Scouts who for years have maintained and enhanced the Lamoine Veterans’ Memorial.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Hancock Town: Mount Desert

2020 Award Winner: William Fern

Winner Accomplishments: William (Will) Fern has served 10+ years on Mount Desert’s Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and also as moderator at its annual town meetings.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Hancock Town: Sullivan

2020 Award Winner: Sullivan Fire/Rescue

Winner Accomplishments: Sullivan Fire/Rescue for over 25 years has organized Sullivan Daze. This is a significant fundraiser for the fire department, as well as a fun, family-friendly celebration for the town. The festival includes a parade, music, food, venders, raffle table, entertainment for kids, and it concludes with fireworks. In addition to this, Fire/Rescue annually responds to numerous emergencies and spends many hours in preparatory training. Though their duties are challenging enough in normal times, these volunteers face additional personal risks and difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic as they battle to save the lives and properties of others.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: Augusta

2020 Award Winner: Emily Schroeder

Winner Accomplishments: Emily Schroeder is Archivist of Kennebec Historical Society, has served as its Secretary since 2003, and also is a member of its program committee. She recently gave an inspirational presentation to the Augusta Planning Board about the Society’s need for a building addition and more parking space & KHS received Planning Board’s unanimous approval for the requests. Emily also is Program Chair of Maine Genealogical Society.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Augusta School District

2020 Award Winner: Augusta School Nutrition Program Staff

Winner Accomplishments: The Augusta School Nutrition Program Staff prepares nutritious breakfasts & lunches daily in all Augusta public schools.

Their goal is to provide meals that meet the expectations of all customers (students, parents, and educators). This is a challenge, one that the staff takes seriously and works hard to achieve. Communication is vital to success.

The program offers a second chance breakfast to all elementary school students who didn’t eat breakfast in the cafeteria & soon will offer a similar opportunity to middle and high school students – students can benefit so much from a school breakfast.

The staff also offers a ‘Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program’ & produces a Monthly Wellness Newsletter for parents and students to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity for children.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: Belgrade

2020 Award Winner: Carol Johnson

Winner Accomplishments: Carol Johnson has served as President of the Friends of the Belgrade Lakes Village (who were instrumental in transforming Belgrade’s Main Street during a highway-widening project), President of the Belgrade Lakes Association (which works to protect the town’s lakes), and Chairwoman of the Union Church Council (which performs many good works in the Belgrade community).

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Belgrade

2020 Award Winner: Elisabeth Wells

Winner Accomplishments: The late Elisabeth ‘Betty’ Wells was an avid carver and woodworker who made several doll houses and toy boxes as fundraisers. Generosity was one of Betty’s virtues. Started by her father, she continued the educational support of many students in Maine. Betty was a member and integral part of Fairbanks Union Church and a staunch supporter of Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association. She gave her time and energy to the KVM Club in Belgrade and volunteered with many organizations. Betty bequeathed to the Belgrade Fire & Rescue Department a significant financial gift that allowed the department to acquire two needed rescue vehicles: a boat and a side-by-side ATV.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Belgrade

2020 Award Winner: Lynn & Phyllis Matson

Winner Accomplishments: Lynn & Phyllis Matson developed and donated to the Town of Belgrade the new Village Green park.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Benton

2020 Award Winner: Gary Dixon

Winner Accomplishments: Gary Dixon has given years of dedication and service to the Town of Benton. It is with great honor that Gary is the 2020 Spirit of America recipient.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Kennebec Town: Chelsea

2020 Award Winner: Marion Bowman

Winner Accomplishments: Marion Bowman has served on numerous Chelsea town committees. In these capacities she has worked tirelessly with area businesses and senior citizens.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: China

2020 Award Winner: Tom & Marie Michaud

Winner Accomplishments: Tom & Marie Michaud are a husband-wife team very busy in activities affecting China Lake.

Tom has been involved with the Tax Increment Finance Committee and the water quality of China Lake – plus two programs (gravel roads/docks work and LakeSmart recognition for landowners with effective run-off controls) impacting that quality.

Marie has served as a Director of China Lake Association, been involved with the installation of shoreline buffers and the LakeSmart program (including use of fertilizers) for properties along China Lake.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: Fayette School District

2020 Award Winner: Barbara Ray

Winner Accomplishments: Barbara Ray worked at the Fayette Central School for more than 20 years, teaching the K/1 classroom most of those years. Barbara taught her classes with a calm and respectful manner, doing many special projects and performing many educational and literacy skits with them over the years.

Ray was a team leader to the other members of the Fayette Central School staff. She was always respectful to parents, administration and fellow teachers.

Barbara was a great asset to the Town of Fayette School system. Her love of teaching the younger children was very evident; all you had to do was go into her classroom to see this. She will be dearly missed by the people of Fayette, who wish her a great retirement and many more adventures.

Distinction: ” Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Gardiner

2020 Award Winner: Ingrid Stanchfield

Winner Accomplishments: Ingrid Stanchfield has served many years as Chief Executive Officer of Boys and Girls Club of Kennebec Valley – she planned, established and has sustained the organization. Under her leadership, the organization provides sports programs, child care, senior services and more to the greater Gardiner area.

Ingrid has been instrumental in a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign to enable the construction of a new building for the facility. She also has secured a new 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for two school districts (MSAD 11 RSU 12) plus additional money to fund Friday Food Pantry and other worthy Boys & Girls Club endeavors.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Hallowell

2020 Award Winner: Bob McIntire

Winner Accomplishments: Bob McIntire has chaired the Hallowell All Age Friendly Committee,

has served on the Hallowell Arts and Culture Committee

and the Historic Hallowell Committee,

been publisher of The Hallowell Champion newsletter,

and a frequent collaborator and grant writer for City projects.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Kennebec Town: Manchester

2020 Award Winner: Community Enrichment Committee

Winner Accomplishments: The new Community Enrichment Committee consisting of members from various Manchester non-profit organizations, businesses, and entities in town, focused on partnering together to create opportunities for residents to gather and celebrate in 2019.

The first annual Manchester Community Days in October was a huge success thanks to the generous support from businesses who stood behind the vision of providing free, fun, family activities. This event was also made possible with the dedication of over 400 volunteer hours! Friday evening kicked off with a showing of Disney’s 2019 remake of the classic film Aladdin starring Will Smith. Saturday’s 0435FUN Festival featured antique trolley rides, live music, bounce houses, kid’s games, a bungee jump, antique cars, local vendors and crafters, local non-profit organizations, local officials in the dunk tank, as well as a visit from the Maine Cabin Masters. The Saturday Night Street Dance featured tasty eats from Diggy Dogs and dancing to the music of Double Entendre. The response from the community was extremely positive and folks were really pleased to have activities right here in town to enjoy! Community Enrichment Committee learned so much from this first year and we looks forward to what the future holds.

The 2019 Manchester Tree Lighting offered family-friendly holiday fun. Families gathered in the Manchester Grange for a free community dinner. A lit luminary path guided folks to the Town Office for hot cocoa, cookies, and special guests: Santa and his reindeer! The evening wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display by Central Maine Pyrotechnics. Once again, the highlight of the holiday season remained the festive lights strung throughout the town bringing a sense of magic to the community.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Manchester

2020 Award Winner: Don Sweeney

Winner Accomplishments: Don Sweeney is one of those persons who makes a life of ministry worth the effort. For example, for many years Don has been Manchester Community Church moderator, chairing all the meetings. He is always prepared and in charge. About a year ago, Manchester Community decided to add a large room to the back of the church to be used for public church suppers, receptions, large church meetings, and get-togethers.

Don drew up the plans. got them approved by the pastor, took the plans to an architect, had them accepted and then began a year of building. Don was at the site every day, overseeing everything from the foundation to the roof, and did most of the work himself, often with help from church members.

Watching Sweeney work is an education itself. He measures 12 times and cuts once and seldom does anything have to be done more than once. As of August, 2020 almost everything is finished: kitchen, entrances, bathroom, electrical, outside grounds and many more projects.

Of course, Don had much help from his wife, Lynn, who had to make sure he was fed and caught up on sleep and reminded him it was Sunday and they had to attend services. Often he provided special music and sang in the choir.

It has been a pleasure watching Don create, using his many talents. During this difficult time with viruses and masks, Don has reminded us of what makes America great….talent, commitment, love of community and integrity. Thanks, Don, and God bless.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Manchester

2020 Award Winner: Kaleb Pushard

Winner Accomplishments: Kaleb Pushard, 25, has lived in Manchester his whole life. He attended Manchester Schools, was a 2013 Graduate of Maranacook High School, and won a seat via Election onto the RSU#38 School Board.

He is a Chair Person on the 0435FUN Festival Committee and helps organize the Town Tree Lighting Event, complete with a visit from Santa, a live reindeer, and the illuminating of a good portion of the Town Center.

Kaleb has always had a love for Christmas and for lights, and of course, technology- so he combined all of these into what has been an incredible light display set to music at his family’s Business – M.I.K.A- in the Manchester Crossing Mall. The display would run every night from Thanksgiving Night to New Year’s Day, bringing so much joy to so many people.

The last few years, he had changed it up, and literally lighted up all the trees along Rt 202, the square at the Intersection, the Town Office, as well as the Fire Station. Emails, letters, calls, notes to the KJ, etc. came in thanking him for the work, and for bringing such Holiday spirit to all who passed through town.

Though they are normally turned off on New Year’s Day, once the COVID Pandemic started, Kaleb decided to turn them back on, as a sign of light, hope and cheer in what was becoming a very dark time for so many.

He always has been such a kindhearted, loveable, caring and super smart young man who gives a whole new meaning to “lighting up the world”….he is a perfect candidate for the Spirit of America Award.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Monmouth

2020 Award Winner: Jeremiah Smith

Winner Accomplishments: Whereas Jeremiah Smith has become a community leader in that he has taken on the task of becoming a lay minister for the United Congregational and Methodist Church in Monmouth when the church was no longer able to support a pastor. He does this at no cost to the church.

Whereas Jerry has operated Clemedow Dairy Farm in Monmouth, the only dairy farm remaining in Monmouth, and maintained it as a productive farm. The farm has received many awards from various organizations for its quality.

Whereas Jerry is the director of the Monmouth Food Bank which supports the nutritional needs of numerous Monmouth families as well as supplies the Backpack Program for Monmouth Schools.

Whereas Jerry has been the person, along with Cathy Perless, who oversees the operation of the Monmouth Vestry Store which supplies reduced cost clothing and goods for the community.

Whereas Jerry has been the person, along with Gail DeBiaso, who oversees the operation of the Packard Center in which church activities and the Community Supper Program take place.

Whereas Jerry takes care of the church grounds and building maintenance at no cost to the church.

Be it resolved by the Monmouth Board of Selectmen that Jerry Smith is hereby recognized for his outstanding service, dedication, and contributions to our community with the 2020 Monmouth Spirit of America Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Mount Vernon

2020 Award Winner: Pat Rawson

Winner Accomplishments: Pat Rawson has done much to assist Mount Vernon Community Center and the food bank by providing training and in other ways. A retired teacher, she continues to do a lot to help children.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: Oakland

2020 Award Winner: Kingdom Life Church & Members

Winner Accomplishments: Whereas, the Kingdom Life Church is an organization located in Oakland and over the past years has worked tirelessly through volunteerism and partnerships with various organizations in Oakland;

Whereas, the Kingdom Life Church has become an important partner with Oakland’s Oakfest community celebration – many members of the Church participate in the event and bring a new level of creativity to our children’s area;

Whereas, the Kingdom Life Church is an active member of the Oakland Business Committee;

Whereas, the Kingdom Life Church has developed many self-initiated programs designed to promote community spirit in Oakland – these programs have not only improved the looks but have also added to the quality of our community;

Whereas, through their collective energy and enthusiasm for the Town of Oakland, the members of the Kingdom Life Church have set a standard of care for our community that has not gone unnoticed;

Be it Resolved by the Oakland Council that the Kingdom Life Church and members are hereby recognized for their outstanding achievements that they have brought upon this community with the 2020 Oakland’s Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: Pittston

2020 Award Winner: Roger Paradis

Winner Accomplishments: The late Roger Paradis served in the Navy and was an officer and very active member of American Legion Post #4. He placed flags on the graves of Pittston Veterans for Memorial Day. Roger also graciously volunteered his time to do needed work around Pittston Town Office.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Kennebec Town: Rome

2020 Award Winner: Peter Serrada

Winner Accomplishments: Peter Serrada is a veteran who served in the US Navy as a Fireman from 1966-1970. He assisted with the establishment of the Senior College at UMF (learning for Maine residents 50 and over). Peter has served the Town of Rome on the Budget Committee since 2002 and has decided to retire from the committee this year.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Kennebec Town: RSU #11

2020 Award Winner: Gardiner Area High School Thanksgiving Food Drive

Winner Accomplishments: Gardiner Area High School Thanksgiving Food Drive – students annually collect and bring food items (including turkey, potatoes, eggs, bread, and canned goods) to the school during the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. They pack the items in boxes and help arrange for families in need to pick up the food. In 2019 boxes were given to 200 families in the greater Gardiner area. The recipients much appreciated the food and the youths’ efforts. Maine television station WMTW came to the school to interview students as they were packing boxes and to help publicize their outstanding project.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: RSU #18

2020 Award Winner: Ryan Reed

Winner Accomplishments: Ryan Reed has been teaching Social Studies to 6th, 7th and 8th graders at China Middle School for a number of years. He has a reputation for working very well with the youths & instills in them a strong sense of good citizenship.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: RSU #2

2020 Award Winner: Hall-Dale Key Club

Winner Accomplishments: Hall-Dale Key Club runs its ‘Trunk or Treat’ project the week of Halloween every year, with all proceeds benefiting UNICEF. The club also annually participates in the Camp Capella Polar Plunge to raise well over $1,000 for educational opportunities for disabled. In Fall 2019, Key Clubbers planted a Yellow Tulip Hope Garden and hand-painted rocks with positive messages for the garden to help ease the stigma of mental illness. Hall-Dale Key Club has organized numerous other projects over the years & also deserves praise for assisting Augusta Kiwanis with its charity auction and other activities every year.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: Vassalboro

2020 Award Winner: Lauchlin Titus

Winner Accomplishments: Lauchlin Titus gave 12 years of service to the Town of Vassalboro as a Selectman, and he also served many years before that as a School Committee Member and a Budget Committee Member.

The certificate presented to Lauchlin read as follows:

“This 2020 Spirit of America Foundation Award of Vassalboro, ME honors Lauchlin Titus and recognizes him for his years of public service hallmarked by thoughtfulness, kindness and a healthy dose of humor. Vassalboro is the grateful beneficiary of his many contributions.”

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: Vienna

2020 Award Winner: Mill Stream Grange #574

Winner Accomplishments: Mill Stream Grange #574 plays such an important social role in its small Vienna community. Whenever any member is ill or passes, the outpouring of support by Grangers is really impressive! Its twice/month meetings feature informative and entertaining programs & always include a tasty potluck supper. Mill Stream runs an annual plant and bake sale, places flags each May on graves of Veterans and former members in Vienna’s Franklin cemetery, participates in a local craft fair, annually donates to charitable causes, organizes special parties and has done even more since it was chartered in 1947.

Distinction: ” Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Waterville

2020 Award Winner: Scott McAdoo

Winner Accomplishments: Scott McAdoo has devoted many hours of his time to assist a number of different community organizations including, the South End Neighborhood Association, the Board of the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails organization, the Parade of Lights and Kringleville and the Board of Directors of the Waterville Community Land Trust.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Kennebec Town: Windsor

2020 Award Winner: Jeffrey Frankel

Winner Accomplishments: Jeffrey Frankel has served as Moderator at Windsor’s town meetings for over 12 years, on Windsor’s Board of Appeals for 20 years and on its Budget Committee for 3 years.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: Winslow

2020 Award Winner: Edson Small Jr.

Winner Accomplishments: Edson ‘Skip’ Small has served over 52 years with the Winslow Fire/Rescue Department, joining the fire department in the spring of 1967.

Skip was a state licensed EMT and Paramedic until 1985 and firefighter until he became dispatcher in 1991, and he has held that position ever since.

During his early years as a fire fighter, Small helped form the first Rescue department in Winslow.

Over the years he has helped Winslow Firefighters Association raise a lot of money for equipment, for people who have been burned out of their homes, for school organizations and for needy families at Christmas time.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Kennebec Town: Winthrop

2020 Award Winner: Wendy Dennis

Winner Accomplishments: Wendy Dennis has played a key role with the Cobbossee Watershed District managing the watershed of Winthrop and surrounding communities. She’s always at public meetings. Wendy has gone above and beyond the call of duty with the dam reconstruction project – guiding the dam committee, the contractor and homeowners of Winthrop and Readfield to take proper steps to ensure a successful outcome.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Knox Town: Cushing

2020 Award Winner: Alton Grover

Winner Accomplishments: Alton Grover has served on the Cushing Select Board since 1984, including many years as Chairman. He has overseen the administration of General Assistance since 1984. Alton has plowed the roads of Cushing ever since stepping up when the position of Road Commissioner was vacated many years ago, at which time the Cushing Selectmen became Road Commissioners. Grover also has been a member of the Masons (a philanthropic organization) since 1969, including being raised to the Degree of Master Mason in Orient Lodge in 1970, exalted to the Degree of a Royal Arch Mason in Keystone Chapter, greeted as a Super Excellent Master in King Hiram Council in 1980, created a Knight Templar in Claremont Commandery in 1981, and a member of the Kora Shrine and the Midcoast Shrine Club.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Knox Town: Rockport

2020 Award Winner: Dave Jackson

Winner Accomplishments: Dave Jackson’s many volunteer activities include being an incorporator of Sea Education Association, an institution that offers hands-on experience in sailing at sea to college and high school students, and a participant in the Community Rowing Project with Atlantic Challenge in Rockland.

He’s a two-time Paul Harris Fellow of the Camden Rotary Club, a member of the Camden Downtown Business group, and has spent many hours helping Coastal Mountains Land Trust and Merryspring Nature Center.

Dave has also spent many volunteer hours helping people with developmental disabilities, having served on the board of the Pine Tree Society for Crippled Children and, more locally, as a board member of Coastal Opportunities in Camden for more than 30 years.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Knox Town: St. George

2020 Award Winner: Charlene Black

Winner Accomplishments: Charlene Black has a gracious nature, so her living next door to the St. George town office is a real pleasure. She enjoys keeping an eye on town doings and interacting with the staff. Special events such as Memorial Day and St. George Day delight her, as she opens up her front lawn for spectators, even offering them coffee and muffins.

Charlene is well known for her dedicated involvement in the Tenants Harbor Baptist Church. Over the years, she has taught Sunday School classes, Good News Clubs, and has served as treasurer. It is indeed a rare Sunday that she misses a worship service. Those close to her also know of her quiet and loving acts of charity and hospitality.

Helping someone in need, making a meal or offering a ride are second nature to Black.

It’s people like her who make living in St George a real joy, and the town thanks Charlene Black for her love for and dedication to that community.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Knox Town: Thomaston

2020 Award Winner: Henry Carey

Winner Accomplishments: Henry “Hank” Carey is a staple amongst the Town of Thomaston. He has volunteered countless hours over the years as a member on the Budget Committee, Personnel Committee, and the Academy Board of Trustees. He continues to work as a Ballot Clerk at every election. All of his help is invaluable to this community.

Hank is a long-time Mason and an active member of the Thomaston Federated Church. He started teaching in 1957 at the Thomaston Academy and had a long successful career in education from his start as a teacher, coaching sports, and retiring as the prinicipal at Thomaston Grammar School.

Hank is a true asset to the Town of Thomaston and its community would not be the same without him!

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Knox Town: Union

2020 Award Winner: John Gibbons

Winner Accomplishments: The 2019 Union, Maine Spirit of America Foundation Tribute honors John Gibbons for commendable community service.

Be it Resolved by the Selectmen of the Town of Union as follows:

Whereas, John has served on the Planning Board;

Whereas, John has served on the Ordinance Consolidation Committee;

Whereas, John has served on the Midcoast Economic Development Committee;

Whereas, John has served on the Board of Selectmen;

Whereas, John has served as a Director of RSU 40;

Be it Resolved by the Selectmen of the Town of Union that John Gibbons is hereby recognized for his great achievements and honors he has brought upon this community with the 2019 Union, Maine Spirit of America Foundation Tribute

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Knox Town: Vinalhaven

2020 Award Winner: Vinalhaven Waste Watchers

Winner Accomplishments: Whereas Vinalhaven found themselves overwhelmed with the costs of waste disposal and,

Whereas we were similarly burdened with the wasteful realities of that disposal and,

Whereas we recognized the imperative need to reduce that waste stream and eliminate its negative affect on our environment and,

Whereas a group of local volunteers offered to explore the alternatives and,

Whereas that group, through selfless and remarkable dedication to the task at hand, successfully brought the transformative reality of Single Stream Re-Cycling to the citizens of Vinalhaven then,

Be it Resolved by the Vinalhaven Selectmen that Vinalhaven Waste Watchers (Hillary Bunker, Eric Davis, Amy Lear, Pat Lundholm, Gabe McPhail, Anna Poe) is hereby recognized for outstanding achievements with the 2020 Vinalhaven Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Knox Town: Washington

2020 Award Winner: Wesley Daniel

Winner Accomplishments: Wesley Daniel has served numerous years as a Selectman of the Town of Washington, including many as SelectBoard Chair. He has done so much to help the people of his town over that span.

In addition to everything he does for Washington, Wes also annually volunteers many hours of his time to play a huge role in the Unity Common Ground Country Fair.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Lincoln Town: Bremen

2020 Award Winner: Bremen Library

Winner Accomplishments: Bremen Library’s mission is to provide a welcoming place to encourage lifelong learning, to advance knowledge, and to strengthen our community. Bremen Library partners with local artists for month-long exhibits in its meeting room. The library offers an excellent variety of reading materials, movies, free passes to Maine parks, free presentations on Thursday evenings, monthly story time for children, and month-long book groups with in-depth discussions.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Lincoln Town: Damariscotta

2020 Award Winner: George Parker

Winner Accomplishments: This is the seventh year that Damariscotta joined towns and cities across the State in honoring one of its outstanding citizens through the Spirit of America Volunteer Award.

For 2020, the Board of Selectmen chose George Parker as the recipient of the Volunteer Award. George was previously recognized more than a dozen years ago as the honoree for the annual report dedication. His active involvement in civic activities has continued unabated since that time. George over a period of more than three decades helped steer the positive direction of Damariscotta and contributed to many of its successes. Going back to the 1980’s George was an active member of the Ordinance Review Committee, the Zoning Committee and the Subdivision Review Committee. He began serving as a member of the Planning Board in 1987 and from 1994 to 2009 served as the Board Chairman. George was vice-chairman of both the Damariscotta Planning Advisory Committee (DPAC) from 2009-2012 and the Town’s Comprehensive Planning Committee from 2012 -2014.

George has had a key leadership role of the Waterfront Improvement Project Committee. When the Town received a grant through the Maine Coastal Program in 2013, George continued to lead the Committee as its duties were expanded to include planning flood resiliency measures for downtown. In 2013, George became a member of the Board of Selectmen and continued to serve until he moved his residence across the bridge to Newcastle in 2017. George was one of Damariscotts’s two representatives on the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission and, without skipping a beat, he was appointed as a Newcastle representative to the Commission shortly after changing his residence.

While George’s service on Damariscotta’s boards and committees has been nothing short of exemplary, his encyclopedic knowledge of the history of planning in Damariscotta and expertise in planning, zoning and building construction matters has been invaluable to Town staff and elected officials alike. Town staff regularly consult with George on a wide range of issues.

George and his wife Carolyn have two daughters Andrea and Melissa. The residents of Damariscotta owe them all a debt of gratitude for sharing George with us for these past thirty six years.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Lincoln Town: Edgecomb

2020 Award Winner: Lisa & Joe McSwain

Winner Accomplishments: Lisa and Joe McSwain were awarded the Edgecomb Spirit of America Tribute for their extensive volunteerism and hard work in support of the community.

Both Lisa and Joe have served in a wide variety of elected

and voluntary capacities including the School Committee, the Planning Board, the Comprehensive Planning Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Historical Society.

When nominating the McSwain’s, Selectman Mike Smith declared, “The award is not big enough for them!”

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Lincoln Town: Jefferson

2020 Award Winner: Joe Holland

Winner Accomplishments: Joe Holland has done so much to help his Jefferson community.

For example, he organizes the annual Community Clean-up Days. The project’s volunteers do roadside clean-ups, help senior citizens with yard work, clean Jefferson Veteran’s Memorial garden and historic sites in town. All participants get a free ice cream.

His business, Jefferson Scoop, serves as a distribution center for fresh produce from both the Twin Village Food Bank and for Lincoln County Gleaners. Also donates vegetables he grows.

Holds yearly fundraiser for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Raised $2,330 in 2019. Visit from Slugger of the Sea Dogs, raffle, dunk tank, free hotdogs and hamburgers. Offered $5 sundaes with entire $5 going to the charity.

Fundraiser for food pantry, with raffles. Has a food donation box at Jefferson Scoop. Held in conjunction with paper airplane flying contest. Gave away free hamburgers and hotdogs.

Served ice cream at Veterans No Boundaries at Wavus Camps

Held a send-off for a local veteran.

Hosts Lincoln County Summer Meals for Kids and Teens, a Maine Department of Education summer food program.

Co-sponsored free ice cream with Lions Club at Waldoboro Day.

Gave ice cream away to local high school athletes after they won their baseball and softball playoff games.

Rescued a chicken that was hen pecked by its flock. Named him Scoopy Doo and she is the mascot at Jefferson Scoop.

Gives away “Thanks for Being Awesome Cards” good for a free ice cream. Cards are given out for random acts of kindness. He also gives cards to community members to give away when they see someone doing something nice or extraordinary for their fellow man or woman.

Has used his drone to help fire department spot a downed plane in Jefferson, and to locate brush and woods fires.

Holds a fundraiser for Jefferson Fire and Rescue every year.

Holds fundraiser for Jefferson’s Blessings in a Backpack program.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Lincoln Town: Somerville

2020 Award Winner: Ernestine Peaslee

Winner Accomplishments: Ernestine Peaslee’s history in Somerville and her willingness to serve that community are obvious.

She was born in Somerville, attended the one room school house known as the Glidden School or Somerville Corner School, and continued her studies at Erskine Academy.

Ernestine worked at a bank in Augusta for over 20 years before retiring to care for her sister Marguerite, who fell ill.

Ernestine’s entire family was involved in town matters – her mother and sister worked as Somerville elected officials. When Marguerite fell ill, Ernestine took over as the elected Town Clerk and was Somerville’s Town Clerk for almost 25 years. She has been involved with the local election process for years, volunteering as a ballot clerk for elections after her retirement from the Town Clerk position.

Ernestine also was an original member of the Somerville Ladies Auxiliary and an original member of the Somerville Day Committee.

The list of Ernestine Peaslee’s involvement in town matters is endless. She is still proactive in community events and is a wealth of knowledge. She will always be known as the town’s historian to our generation, and is a true delight to learn from.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Lincoln Town: Southport

2020 Award Winner: Ronald Orchard

Winner Accomplishments: Ronald Orchard in late 2018 told the trustees of the Hendricks Hill Museum that in 2019, he would not be available to open and close the museum and be on hand whenever the museum is open. He would continue as the chairman of the trustees but would be at the museum in 2019 only as often as he wished.

A little arithmetic leads to a most impressive result: The museum has been open 3 days/week for 9 weeks/year for 30 years. This comes out to a grand total of 810 days! Thus, since 1988 when the Museum first opened, Ron has put up the flag and taken it down every day for a total of more than two years. And he has not missed one of those days!

His historical interest and tenacity is shown clearly in the vast genealogy tree that he made and which is displayed in the Marr Room of the museum. Two Marr brothers from Georgetown married two Pierce sisters from Southport about 1800, and later a Marr sister married a Pierce brother, thus further uniting the two families. The tree records this development for about 200 years.

In 1998, the Newagen post office was closed. As the authorities were about to dismantle the office and load the postal equipment into a truck, Ron Orchard approached them and asked if the town could have it. Thus it was that we have the Post Office Room at the museum with post boxes and wanted posters intact. Prior Southport postmasters include Ron’s great-grandfather, Edward Everett Pinkham, his grandfather, Charlie Pinkham and his mother, Harriet Orchard. The Newagen post office was frequently staffed by both Ron’s wife, Ralva and daughter, Marie.

If you have voted in Southport over any of the last 20 years, your ballot was carefully received by Ron as he deposited it in the old locked wooden ballot box or, in recent years, fed it into the machine which electronically records the results.

Ronald Orchard’s knowledge is complemented by his eagerness to share that knowledge with museum visitors. No one has visited the museum under his guidance without a lasting memory of the experience. He is sensitive to the visitors’ interest and answers their questions, while being sure that nobody misses the details of the collection.

How best to honor such outstanding service? The selectmen, the trustees of the museum and the Friends of the Southport Historical Society unanimously agreed to rename the museum’s Reference Room as the Ronald Orchard Room in honor of Ron. The following is on the plaque hanging at the museum:

The Ronald Orchard Room

Born on Southport Island

Grandson of storekeepers Charles and Izetta Pinkham

Lifelong student of Southport history

Naval veteran of the Korean War

Chairman of the Museum Trustees

Museum guide beyond compare

Ron is our greatest asset.

This room is named in his honor

June 10, 2019

(This info is from an article written by Donald Duncan in the Boothbay Register.)

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Lincoln Town: Waldoboro

2020 Award Winner: Lou Cook

Winner Accomplishments: Lou Cook has been a driving force in the Waldoboro Food Pantry for many years, and at 83 he finally retired. His efforts have provided food to thousands of Waldoboro families over those years. Lou’s dedication to the families of Waldoboro is something to be recognized and treasured.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Lincoln Town: Whitefield

2020 Award Winner: Whitefield Municipal Fire and Rescue Department

Winner Accomplishments: Spirit of America 2020 Whitefield, Maine

The Spirit of America Foundation Tribute is presented to local individuals, organizations or projects for commendable community service. This year Whitefield recognizes the men and women of the Whitefield Municipal Fire and Rescue Department for their outstanding service to the residents of Whitefield and surrounding communities.

The Whitefield Municipal Fire and Rescue Department is staffed by volunteers dedicated to keeping the citizens of Whitefield safe. They are the ones who put their lives on the line when a house is on fire whether in Whitefield – or in one of the surrounding towns as part of a mutual aid response. They are the ones who climb out of bed at night or leave their jobs during the day to respond to fires, accidents, trees on wires or in the road, put up barriers when roads flood, direct traffic (and pray no one runs into them), and attend medical emergencies. In times of power outages these folks open the fire station as a warning shelter. They also do this on their own time selflessly putting the towns needs ahead of their time with their families.

Volunteer firefighters must meet the same rigorous standards as paid professionals but do it on their own time while holding down full-time jobs. They must maintain vehicles and equipment, and they are always on call. Training is weekly and vital, as fortunately, fires are few. But that make it all the harder to confidently respond when a call comes in. These neighbors deserve the highest accolades and our strong support.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Oxford Town: Andover

2020 Award Winner: Freeman Farrington

Winner Accomplishments: Volunteer for the Town Hall Committee, Knights of Pythias long standing member, Historical Society volunteer.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Oxford Town: Bethel

2020 Award Winner: Donald & Cheryl Bennett

Winner Accomplishments:

RESOLUTION

The 2020 Bethel, Maine Spirit of America Foundation Tribute honors

DONALD BENNETT & CHERYL BENNETT

for commendable community service.

Be it Resolved by the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Bethel, Maine as follows:

Whereas, Donald & Cheryl Bennett, Both graduated from Gould Academy in 1964:

Whereas, Donald & Cheryl Bennett, Have called Bethel their home since 1966; and raised their 3 children.

Whereas, Cheryl Bennett, Served as an EMT and the Director of the Bethel Ambulance from 1988 to 2012.

Whereas, Cheryl Bennett, Served as a M.S.A.D. # 44 School Bus Driver for 38 years

Whereas, Donald Bennett, Served as a Bethel Planning Board Alternate from 1995-1997; and Bethel Selectmen from 1998 to 2019; and as an Assessor from 2008-2020 and also on the ORC from 2003-2019

Be it Resolved by the Bethel Board of Selectmen, that Donald & Cheryl Bennett are hereby recognized for their outstanding dedication, achievements, and honors they have brought to this community with the 2020 Bethel Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Bethel Board of Selectmen July 06, 2020

_________________________ ______________________

_________________________

Attest: ___________________

Christen Mason, Town Clerk

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Oxford Town: Brownfield

2020 Award Winner: Roger and Sharon Benson

Winner Accomplishments: Roger and Sharon Benson have run the local food pantry for many years. Sharon is also involved with the local girl scout troop.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Oxford Town: Canton

2020 Award Winner: Canton Cemetery Ladies

Winner Accomplishments: Canton Cemetery Ladies, AKA “Canton Crazies”.

Carole Robbins, Prudy Adams, Anne Chamberlin, & Robyn McClintock.

These ladies continually help out on several different events throughout the community. Here is just a few of the things they do…. In the summertime these 4 ladies could be found working in area cemeteries cleaning stones, removing trees and brush and teaching others the correct way to preserve the stones correctly.

In December the ladies organized Wreaths Across America ceremony at Canton’s Hillside Cemetery and participated in an amazing wreath laying ceremony. They added personal touches to all the wreaths.

During cold and flu season, they rallied the community to collect hand sanitizers, tissues and Clorox wipes for the area Dirigo Elementary School.

During ‘Round 5’ of the RSU56 School Budget vote, the moral of the teachers was very low and the ladies gathered from the community residents home baked goods and other goodies and delivered them to all schools! This gave the teachers and school personnel a great boost.

The large Christmas tree in the center of town had to be cut down so the ladies got together and found another smaller Christmas tree near by and decorated it with lights.

The ladies have a “Canton Creates Craft Fair’ and do fundraising to benefit the Bradbury Memorial Chapel on Canton Point.

I could go on and on about these special ladies. They certainly deserve to be recognized for all of the volunteer work they’ve done.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Oxford Town: Dixfield

2020 Award Winner: Scott Dennett

Winner Accomplishments: Scott Dennett has served the Dixfield Fire Department about 40 years, including at least 10 years as its Chief. He also has served on the town’s Finance Committee for 15-20 years.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Oxford Town: Fryeburg

2020 Award Winner: Edward & Diane Jones

Winner Accomplishments: Ed and Diane Jones have always been at the heart of the Town of Fryeburg. Together, they have been instrumental in public service, whether it be serving on the board of selectmen, preserving town history, or a construction project for the townspeople. Their many years of dedication to our town represents the best in public service and has always set an example for others.

Ed and Diane have both served as Fryeburg selectmen, as well as on various boards and committees; tackling issues that were important to the town. Installing new street signs, developing the new transfer station, and clearing the way for historic preservation were only a handful of their accomplishments. Both were very involved in the Fryeburg Historical Society for many years, resulting in a historical museum and research library that is unmatched in the region. Ed and Diane also were involved in constructing the gazebo in Bradley Park, revitalizing the town cemeteries, and participating in the Main Street ’90 project led by Maine Governor John McKernan. They were also involved with the Fryeburg Fair, working for 27 years as curators in the museum area. Diane has been directly involved with historic preservation in Fryeburg, allowing townspeople to enjoy the rich history that our town has, whether it be exploring the historical society museum, or browsing through thousands of obituaries and family genealogies. Ed also helped build the new Harvest Hills Animal Shelter and the replica of the Fryeburg Horse Railroad, which can been seen rolling through town for special events.

The Town of Fryeburg dedicates this year’s town report to Ed and Diane and thanks them for their many years of service and dedication to the town. Ed passed away on May 13, 2019. Diane continues to reside in Fryeburg, where she continues her interest in local history.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Oxford Town: Greenwood

2020 Award Winner: Hugh “Cubby” Swan

Winner Accomplishments: Hugh “Cubby” Swan served 30 years on Greenwood’s Fire Department and 9 years as the Fire Chief. Cubby has presently served as an Honorary member of the Fire Dept. since 2010 and currently is on Greenwood’s Town Hall Improvement Committee.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Oxford Town: Hanover

2020 Award Winner: Dorothy Adams

Winner Accomplishments: Dorothy Adams has helped National Alliance of Mental Illness Maine, the library and other charitable causes. She has organized plant and bake sales to raise funds to support their activities. Dorothy does whatever she can to help folks.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Oxford Town: Hiram

2020 Award Winner: Jim & Mary Hannaford

Winner Accomplishments: A Resolution

Providing for: Recognition of Jim and Mary Hannaford.

Be it Resolved by the Municipal Officers of the Town of Hiram as follows:

Whereas, Jim & Mary are very active in the Community and have filled many seats of office for several years.

Whereas, Jim & Mary are members of the Hiram Historical Society.

Whereas, Jim & Mary Hannaford are members of the Hiram Cemetery Committee

Whereas, Jim & Mary are members of the Riverside Methodist Church.

Whereas, Jim is a member of the Men’s Prayer Breakfast. Mary a member of the United Methodist Women, 21 Club and a Hiram Election Clerk.

Whereas, Jim & Mary volunteer for the Riverside Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and Nursing Home Singers

Whereas, Jim & Mary are involved in several organizations, clubs, benefits and groups that we don’t even know about, we want to show our appreciation for their services because they are “unsung” heroes who are quietly continuing to help where ever they can without expecting acknowledgement.

Whereas, Jim & Mary were very active on our 2014 Bicentennial Committee. Jim created and built many of the “logs” for our “log races” down the river and they both were volunteers at every event held.

Whereas, Jim & Mary are continuing to be active and supportive of several organizations in our community as well as surrounding communities. Their dedication is phenomenal and our community is enriched with their presence.

Be it Resolved by the Municipal Officers of the Town of Hiram that Jim & Mary Hannaford are hereby recognized for their great achievements and honors that they have brought upon this community with the 2020 Hiram Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Oxford Town: Mexico

2020 Award Winner: Raymond Broomhall

Winner Accomplishments: Raymond Broomhall has given more than 50 years of service to the Mexico Fire Department and taught a fire prevention program in local schools and daycare facilities. He received Firefighter of the Year Award from the Maine State Federation of Firefighters in 2006.

Ray also has served as President of Chisolm Ski Club and been Chief of Course in charge of setting cross country courses for multiple events and races – he even worked on the 2000 NCAA championships and 2002 Winter Olympics.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Yes

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County: Oxford Town: Newry

2020 Award Winner: Bruce Pierce

Winner Accomplishments: Whereas, Bruce Pierce has been dedicated to the Town of Newry and the citizens thereof since his residency – he has continually contributed to his community, his family, and his greater Newry Community.

Whereas, Bruce Pierce was a volunteer Fire Fighter for the last 20 years.

Whereas, Bruce Pierce served as the Newry Fire Chief for 9 years and assistant Fire Chief for years prior to that.

Whereas, Bruce Pierce routinely visited the Crescent Park School in Bethel providing a lesson to the school children regarding the Fire Safety – he also volunteers for various school related trail projects.

Whereas, Bruce is instrumental in developing and maintaining the Telstar High School trail system in Bethel.

Whereas, it is recognized that Bruce Pierce has dedicated thousands of hours to volunteering not only to the Town of Newry but to numerous civic organizations.

Therefore, Be it Resolved by the Town Select Board of the Town of Newry, in sincere gratitude and appreciation, that Bruce Pierce is hereby recognized for exemplary citizenship and outstanding achievements and honors brought upon this community, with the 2020 Newry Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Oxford Town: Norway

2020 Award Winner: Everett Benson Knights of Columbus Council #5515

Winner Accomplishments: Everett Benson Knights of Columbus Council #5515, which was chartered in 1964, is active in the community & does things to assist people of all religious denominations. One specific activity the group gets very involved with is ‘Baby Bottle Boomerang’, a project helping babies, moms and dads. Over the past 55+ years Council #5515 has done so much to aid many other causes, including the fire department, youths, baseball games, and getting items to folks from grocery stores.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Oxford Town: Norway

2020 Award Winner: Norway Grange #45

Winner Accomplishments: Norway Grange #45 for several years has joined with another local group to offer Saturday breakfast, a clothing give-away in the spring and fall and a Friday social gathering. To elaborate:

On Saturday mornings from 8 to 9 a free breakfast is served to between 60 and 100 people – five teams make up the workforce cooking.

Twice each year surplus clothing and household items are collected for distribution. At one Spring distribution, about 300 people were welcomed and provided with summer clothing and household items. Coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, cookies, conversation and smiles rounded out the event.

The Friday night social time began in 2019. Games, open mic, cook outs, popcorn, music and light refreshments were offered. Monthly cook outs and a fire pit for make-your-own smores are future possibilities. Often someone brought a guitar for a sing-along around the fire.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Oxford Town: Paris

2020 Award Winner: Ben E. Conant

Winner Accomplishments: MUNICIPAL RESOLUTION

Be it Resolved by the Paris Board of Selectmen:

Whereas, Ben B. Conant joined many Historical Societies, helping to establish and organize the Paris Cape Society, and then stayed on as a curator;

Whereas, Ben B. Conant during the Bicentennial of our country personally helped locate many unknown soldiers grave sites that had not been registered in the State House archives in Augusta, ME;

Whereas, Ben B. Conant has knowledge of every cemetery within a 100 mile radius, connecting everyone with his genealogy talents, and he obviously inherited his father’s photogenic memory and has retained so much data that he could out do any computer system ever made;

Whereas, Ben B. Conant epitomizes what it truly means to selflessly give back to one’s community;

Be it Resolved by the Paris Selectmen that Ben B. Conant is hereby recognized for his outstanding achievements and honor he has brought upon this community as the town’s historian with the 2020 Paris Maine Spirit of America Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Oxford Town: Peru

2020 Award Winner: Mark Irish

Winner Accomplishments: Mark Irish is always first to volunteer to help the Town of Peru. He has donated his time for many projects that the Town has had and is always available to do what the Town of Peru needs. He is an outstanding Peru citizen.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Oxford Town: Roxbury

2020 Award Winner: Roxbury Swift River Valley Extension

Winner Accomplishments: ROXBURY SWIFT RIVER VALLEY EXTENSION

For their years of community service to the Town of Roxbury.

Be it resolved by the Selectmen of the Town of Roxbury as follows:

Whereas, The history begins when the Women’s Division of the existing Roxbury Farm Bureau was organized on May 1922. The earliest meetings were held at the Roxbury Town Hall in the Frye section of the town, and later at the homes of members. Annual joint dinner and planning meetings were held with the men’s group, and as many as 50 members attended.

Whereas, Early projects reflect the times: Some were a fireless cooker-actually a warming oven; dress forms, called “Betties”; shellacked or varnished tape-covered cotton shirts were made on the person, cut off, and put together again. Millinery and paper flowers were popular, and underwear and foundation garments were made. Later more emphasis was placed on food and health, and the required “Square Meals for Health” program was started and continued until they decided to hold evening meetings.

Whereas, Community service projects were added to the program and continued from 1956 until 1969. Flower shows were held until 1972, with the money raised after 1969 going to a scholarship for SAD# 43 graduates. Along the way, “Farm Bureau” became “Extension”, and in 1972 they to requested a change of name to become “The Swift River Valley Extension”, more in the keeping with the geography of our Town.

Whereas, Projects in the past several years have been quilts for the homeless, fabric clothes protectors were sewn for the Hope Association, Christmas baskets filled with food and homemade items were delivered for the shut-ins in Roxbury, money was raised for the Rumford fire department to get a gas meter reader, Volunteer at Gramps once a week to serve a meal, the list is long for all the great things that this group does.

Whereas, Many people have contributed much time and effort to keep this group active and an asset to our communities. It has survived 53 plus years, while other organizations have come and gone. It is the only active women’s educational service and social group in our area. Hopefully the work will remain pertinent to the times for another 50 years. The Town of Roxbury and other local communities are lucky to have this great organization.

Be it resolved by the Roxbury Selectmen that ROXBURY SWIFT RIVER VALLEY EXTENSION are recognized for their outstanding community service, achievement and honors they have brought to this community with the 2020 Roxbury Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Oxford Town: Woodstock

2020 Award Winner: Sterling & Irene Mills

Winner Accomplishments: Sterling & Irene Mills are landowners and responsible citizens who together have contributed to the good of the Town of Woodstock for many years. The Mills have long provided work for many people in our area. Mr. Mills is a Veteran and valuable resource for information regarding the fabric of the Town and a caretaker of the “traditions of life” in a small town.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Penobscot Town: Bangor

2020 Award Winner: Literacy Volunteers of Bangor

Winner Accomplishments: The Literacy Volunteers of Bangor do so much for our community by providing access to learning opportunities to the adult population. The Core Values of this organization are designed to help break down barriers and challenges for adults and provide a pathway for learning. The City of Bangor appreciates the great work this group performs and would like to recognize them with the 2020 Spirit of America Award.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Penobscot Town: Bradley

2020 Award Winner: Ann Delaware

Winner Accomplishments: Whereas, Ann Delaware has been dedicated to the Town of Bradley and the citizens thereof since her residency. She has continually contributed to her community, her family and her faith.

Whereas, Ann Delaware is a mainstay in the Town of Bradley, providing support and volunteerism for each event; often being the leader and organizer of said events.

Whereas, Ann Delaware is persistently searching for ways to engage residents of all ages and promoting citizen engagement and participation.

Whereas, Ann Delaware is a role model for all, and her accomplishments deserve honor and recognition.

Whereas, Ann Delaware routinely visits the Viola Rand School in Bradley providing a lesson to the school children regarding the History of the Town of Bradley. She was instrumental in the creation of “The History of the Town of Bradley” publication created in 1985. She is currently working to update this information to preserve the narrative of the Town of Bradley.

Whereas, it is recognized that Ann Delaware has dedicated thousands of hours to volunteering not only to the Town of Bradley but to those of her church and other civic organizations.

Whereas, it is important to acknowledge as an employee of the Town of Bradley, Ann Delaware provides support above administrative tasks. She is the point person for soliciting support staff and organizing the events of each election and acts as a sworn ballot clerk.

Therefore, Be it Resolved by the Town Council of the Town of Bradley, in sincere gratitude and appreciation, that Ann Delaware is hereby recognized for her exemplary citizenship and outstanding achievements and honors brought upon this community, with the 2020 Bradley Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Penobscot Town: Carmel

2020 Award Winner: John Luce

Winner Accomplishments: Whereas, John Luce has made significant contributions to the Town of Carmel through decades of community service.

Whereas, John Luce volunteered to serve on the Carmel Volunteer Fire Department for over 15 years including time served as Assistant Fire Chief; and

Whereas, John Luce served 10 years on the local Boy Scouts Troop 18 Committee; and

Whereas, John has served on the Carmel Board of Selectmen for multiple terms spanning 3 decades; and

Whereas, John Luce has been a member of the Benevolent Lodge No. 87, Carmel, Maine since 2001 through which he has contributed significantly towards The Annual Carmel Days Festival; and

Be it Resolved by the Selectmen of the Town of Carmel that John Luce is hereby recognized for his exemplary citizenship, great achievements and honors that he has brought upon this community with the 2020 Carmel Spirit of America Foundation Tribute

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Penobscot Town: Corinna

2020 Award Winner: James Louder

Winner Accomplishments: James Louder was just two years old when his family moved to Corinna.

Some of his friends remember playing together with him in the streets of Corinna as a child. In school, Jim was known as a “studious kid,” and was looked up to for his knowledge. Jim was also an athlete in school, playing baseball and basketball in high school. Because of his love of baseball, Jim volunteered of his time to coach Little League and Babe Ruth League from 1965-1972.

It was then that he married and soon moved to Pittsfield. He spent 37 years teaching for SAD#53, mostly grade 6. As a teacher, Jim was able to pass his knowledge on to his students. Even in his position as a teacher, he was called to volunteer – as chief negotiator for more than twenty years, and as President of the Teacher’s Association for a couple of years. Once again, he volunteered in his community as a Little League coach for six years in the 1980s.

In 1995, he and his family moved back to Corinna. He soon became involved in the community as a volunteer in many ways. He was a Corinna Sewer District Trustee from 1996-2011. He joined the Planning Board, also in 1996 and served until 2005. If that wasn’t enough, he also volunteered on the Redevelopment Committee from 1997-2000. In 2004, he joined the Corinna Water District, where he continues to serve as Chairman. In 2013, he joined the Stewart Library Building Preservation Committee, where he still serves as an active and involved member. He works steadily behind the scenes, researching and gathering information for needed projects to keep the building in a state of excellence. Finally, just recently, he decided to help the Corinna Boardwalk Restoration Committee where he will serve to help the Town of Corinna restore the Boardwalk. Once he starts a project, he launches headlong into the project, giving all he has to the benefit of the citizens of Corinna.

Not only is he a dedicated volunteer, he is a longtime musician. He can be seen and heard on his Facebook page playing the ukulele and kazoo simultaneously. He also plays the trumpet and sings, rounding out as a talented musician.

For these and so many more reasons, it is with great honor and recognition of giving of your time unselfishly and unconditionally to the residents of Corinna!! Thank you for being a dedicated volunteer with interest and pride in your community!!

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Penobscot Town: Dexter

2020 Award Winner: Crystal Greaves

Winner Accomplishments: Crystal Greaves is a school nurse for MSAD #46, based at Ridge View Community School in Dexter. Crystal is a long time Dexter resident living with her husband John and 3 children. Although her work from day to day is primarily with the children of the community, her kindness, compassion, and dedication reaches far beyond the walls of the school. Mrs. Greaves not only works tirelessly to meet the medical needs of the students and staff, but she helps better the lives of families in many other ways. There is no way to quantify the ways that Crystal serves the Dexter Community. For every way we know that Crystal volunteers her time and talent there are countless more opportunities Crystal takes to serve the community anonymously. Here is just a partial list of activities and initiatives Crystal facilitates:

-Mrs. Greaves began the Backpack Program at Ridge View Community School. She coordinated the packing of dozens of backpacks packed with food that were sent home with students every weekend to help bridge the gap between school lunch meals for students and families facing food insecurity.

-The Backpack Program blossomed into a full service food bank that meets the needs of close to 50 families in our town. Every two weeks, with the help of volunteers, she facilitates the packing of food boxes for families to come and pick up, often delivering them to families who do not have transportation for pick up. Crystal spends countless hours ensuring the program is properly funded, ordering food, contacting volunteers and food box recipients and organizing products with an almost constant smile on her face.

-Crystal is a kind, compassionate knowledgeable nurse. Children and adults alike always feel heard, cared for and loved due to Crystal’s care. Crystal is here early and stays late daily tending the needs of the RVCS community. Crystal has dedicated half of her office space to extra’s…mittens, hats, snow pants, T-shirts and socks for any student need that arises during the day. Crystal has also secretly arranged, advocated, transported and assisted parents in getting their children’s medical needs met. Annually, Crystal trains staff in relevant medical information such as CPR, First Aid and Stop the Bleed

-Crystal helped establish the Christmas program for the students of RVCS. Crystal gathers needs from parents, solicits donations from staff and organizations, coordinates with other area helpers and provides Christmas gifts for families struggling to make ends meet during the holidays, this year serving more than 50 students and their families. Children have multiple gifts to open Christmas morning due to Crystal’s efforts to organize our community. She also organizes the distribution of holiday meal food boxes to some of those families. She has been known to prepare the food at her home and deliver it to displaced families on Thanksgiving Day.

-Crystal is a leader of our school district’s wellness team. Crystal inspires our school community to become physically active and healthy through her participation in organizing a Wellness Night for parents, a Wellness afternoon for staff and outdoor activities in the fall and winter to celebrate the season and benefits of physical activity. Crystal also helps to organize the school’s participation in Fuel Up to Play 60. Crystal is an active member of the Parent Teacher Organization and helps to organize a Fall Harvest Dance and the Sweetheart Dance each Spring.

-Crystal’s generosity also reaches beyond our own community. Crystal holds a position as Co-Chair of Education on the Maine Association of School Nurses Association Board of Directors. This is a volunteer position which she has dedicated hours of her professional expertise to help better prepare her colleagues. She and her family help supply and pack shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child every year. Mrs. Greaves regularly delivers food and clothes to the Bangor Homeless Shelter and will participate in this year’s Hike For the Homeless.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Penobscot Town: Eddington

2020 Award Winner: Alice “Lou” Higgins

Winner Accomplishments: Alice “Lou” Higgins is an enthusiastic volunteer in many organizations. She is an East Eddington Community Church member, former choir member, Sunday School teacher, Ladies Aid member, Vacation Bible School teacher and organizer/cook for many fundraisers. She was a PTA volunteer in schools, a room mother in the elementary grades and helped the nurse giving vaccines in schools. Lou was active in the East Eddington Grange # 301 and filled many Grange offices, entered cooking and sewing contests, skits and was awarded the Maine State Grange Young Couple of the Year in 1970. For Eddington’s Sesquicentennial Celebration she was in the Patriotic Drill Team and in other festivities she wore 1800’s period clothing and organized Historical exhibits. During Eddington’s Bicentennial Lou raised money and helped with the historical exhibits. She is a member of and held various office positions in the Penobscot County Extension & attends many of the county and area meetings. East Eddington Extension group is the only Penobscot County Extension local group & thanks to Lou it is still a very active happy group of ladies.

In addition to all these things, Lou Higgins has been treasurer of Eddington Historical Society for 20 years. Her account records are very accurate for money spent & the reason why it was spent. She is an amazing person who celebrated her 90th birthday on July 22, 2020.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Penobscot Town: Eddington

2020 Award Winner: Joan Brooks

Winner Accomplishments: Joan Brooks earned her PhD & has served and volunteered on many committees and for many organizations, including:

4-H leader, Cub Scout Leader for the BSA, Camp Director for Somerset County Extension Service of Skowhegan, volunteer with the Penobscot County Extension Service. She served as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and member of the Planning Board for the Town of Eddington for many years, and on MSAD 63 School Board. Joan also was in Eddington School PTA, volunteered as librarian at the Clifton Library and was a substitute teacher at Eddington Elementary School. She was a member of the Board of Directors and Archives Director for Northeast Archives of Folklore and Oral History UMO, member of the U.S. National Committee and Canadian National Committee for the International Peat Society, as well as many other Peat Advisory Boards and she received many awards for her peat research. Brooks was a member of the Maine Association of Site Evaluators and served as its editor for several years, volunteered for Dollars for Scholars, was a representative for seven State of Maine Bookmobiles on the Northeast Regional Library Board and was a volunteer organizer for publicity, fund raising and other county wide events in Penobscot County. She was featured as the cover story of Maine Business Digest “Joan L Brooks and Brooks Technologies”, and she has published many other articles and publications and about 40 papers in Scientific Journal. This is just a partial list of Joan Brooks’ activities and accomplishments.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Penobscot Town: Etna

2020 Award Winner: Janet Winchester

Winner Accomplishments: The Town of Etna bestowed 2020 Spirit of America recognition upon a resident who is one of its “silent heroes” because of her volunteerism and the considerable difference she makes to memorializing its Veterans.

Janet Winchester is a silent hero because each and every year she (with a donation from the Town of Etna of $350 to purchase new flags and help getting them from the Carmel American Legion) makes sure that Etna’s Veterans/hero’s have a United States Flag planted at their gravesides before Memorial Day. The American flag represents our Nation and the gratitude we have for their service and sacrifice in keeping us free.

Janet Carter Winchester comes by her passion for our Veteran’s naturally as did her dad, Crawford Carter, who took care of our heroes before her.

Thank you, Janet and Crawford for your dedication to our nations Veteran’s!!

Distinction: ” Dedication: Yes

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County: Penobscot Town: Holden

2020 Award Winner: Eastern Maine Snowmobilers Inc.

Winner Accomplishments: Eastern Maine Snowmobilers Inc. was established in 1970, is located in Holden, operates a club and annually spends countless hours managing more than 70 miles of snow trails. Among its fundraising activities are a Cornhole Tournament, 300 Club Raffle, Annual Dinner Auction, Lobster Feed, and Annual Hunters Breakfast. The club also organizes a Landowners Recognition Dinner plus various recreational and entertainment activities for its members, such as photography, dance groups, local rides, Christmas celebrations and weekend trips.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Penobscot Town: LaGrange

2020 Award Winner: Roger Stanley

Winner Accomplishments: Roger Stanley was dedicated to the LaGrange Volunteer Fire Department, which he served for over 40 years, and he held the position of Fire Chief for 20 years of that time. Numerous community programs were started under Roger’s leadership: the Angel Tree for children, food baskets for needy families, and scholarships to assist local children moving onto higher education. With the help of the LaGrange Fire Department and the support from the Town of LaGrange, Roger was able to put together a plan to replace the old one story fire department with a new 3 bay facility; he applied for and received a grant that enabled the Town of LaGrange to appropriate a new fire truck for its community. Roger was always working to improve equipment and provide training and safety for the LaGrange Volunteer Fire Department – his leadership and experience was appreciated from those who worked for the Chief!

Roger was the true meaning of what a “Townsman” should be. If there was a need in the Town of LaGrange, whether it was the Cub Scouts, community recreation, surveying the Cemetery and serving as Selectman, Roger was always willing to help. As one person summed up Roger’s life. “He always saw what needed to be done and he did it.”

Thank you, Roger Stanley, for your service to the Town of LaGrange and America!

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Penobscot Town: Lincoln

2020 Award Winner: Lincoln Events and Tourism Committee

Winner Accomplishments: The Town of Lincoln’s Events and Tourism Committee was founded in the fall of 2017. Tasked with planning and volunteering for a few community events around the year, this committee not only did that, they also created over 7 additional community events that have been added to the yearly events schedule for Lincoln. Since its inception, this committee has created The Lincoln Comedy Festival, Spring Cleanup Day, MSG Gary Gordon Day, the Town Wide Yard Sale, the Penobscot Pirate Paddle, the Haunted Lake Trunk or Treat, and new this year, Cabin Fever Reliever. In addition to these new events, the committee has worked very hard to make the Lincoln Loon Festival, the Bike Rodeo, the Lincoln Harvest Moon Festival, The Festival of Lights Parade and Breakfast with Santa big successes year after year.

This committee has many dedicated members who meet every two weeks. Over the years the committee has become almost a family, they work together like a well-oiled machine and know each other’s strengths and gifts. Every member of the committee brings their own unique skills and expertise to make these events fun, safe, and memorable for everyone. The events they put on have helped with the resurgence of Lincoln’s community pride and spirit. The Events and Tourism Committee has worked very hard to bring visitors to Lincoln and to get community members out to have fun.

The Town Council is nominating this hardworking volunteer group for their community spirit, dedication and their commitment to Lincoln. This committee collectively volunteers thousands of hours a year. We are so grateful that this committee exists, and we look forward to their continued success and efforts in Lincoln.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Penobscot Town: Medway

2020 Award Winner: Jane McLaughlin

Winner Accomplishments: Jane McLaughlin has given countless hours of service as a Selectperson, to the East Branch Sno-Rovers Snowmobile Club, and to the Fire Department Auxiliary.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Penobscot Town: Orrington

2020 Award Winner: McKenna LaBrie

Winner Accomplishments: For the past 4 years, 10 year old McKenna LaBrie has had a lemonade stand for a few weekends each summer. 100% of her earnings are donated to the Forgotten Felines of Maine. 3 years ago, McKenna started doing a “Christmas for the Kitties” which garners FFOM donations as well. People send her Christmas cards with donations to FFOM. She and her parents hang all the cards on their wall around the tree. LaBrie usually collects $3,000 to $4,000 for FFOM from this event. She is 10 years old and is in the 4th grade at Center Drive School in Orrington.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Penobscot Town: Plymouth

2020 Award Winner: Kathy Condon

Winner Accomplishments: This year Plymouth nominated Kathy Condon for the Spirit of America Award. Kathy was born and raised in Plymouth and, after graduating from high school, enlisted into the Marine Corps where she served for ten years. She has been volunteering for several causes from 2017 to the present time. The town has been in great need for a new Honor Roll for our Veterans, and Kathy has spend over a year and a half working on raising funds for this project to honor Plymouth’s Veterans. She helped with the design of the town calendars, knocked on doors of businesses for donations and spent hours walking all four cemeteries to make sure names were correct and made a graph of the cemeteries to help record the information at a later date. Her research included Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Spanish War, Civil War, Korean War, WW1, WW2, Vietnam and Post Vietnam. Condon volunteers with the work on grants to raise money for the two historical buildings we have left in Plymouth. She also volunteers to help at the town office whenever needed. We are fortunate to have Kathy back living in her home town and making a difference.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Piscataquis Town: Atkinson

2020 Award Winner: James Brawn

Winner Accomplishments: James Brawn has done a lot to help Atkinson Cold Smoke Riders Snowmobile Club. A local merchant (Snow’s Saw Shop) in the Atkinson area, Brawn also has done so much to assist folks through philanthropy that in most cases is anonymous.

Distinction: ” Dedication: No

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County: Piscataquis Town: Beaver Cove

2020 Award Winner: Marilyn Goodwin

Winner Accomplishments: Marilyn Goodwin (since moving to Maine in 2000) served 12 years on Beaver Cove School Committee, including 6 years as Chair. She played a major role in setting policies and doing budgets, and she also helped at the Consolidated School. Under her leadership, Marilyn and her committee extremely conscientiously calculated anticipated school budgets to the penny & Beaver Cove’s Board of Selectmen approved exactly what she and her committee recommended. In addition, Goodwin also has volunteered for the nonprofit Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation and its Marketing Committee. She has served on the Moosehead Lake Brand Leadership Team & played a key role in its fundraising cruise (featuring scenery, plus silent & live auctions) to benefit the Moosehead Lake Branding Initiative.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Piscataquis Town: Brownville

2020 Award Winner: Brownville Fire Auxiliary

Winner Accomplishments: Brownville Fire Auxiliary has come together to support the town’s Firefighters and continues to work to raise funds to provide the Fire Department with items that the budget may not cover. In 2020 Fire Auxiliary was working to purchase uniforms. Their plan was to do another auction and dinner in the Spring, and be on the lookout for future fundraising activities.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Yes

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County: Piscataquis Town: Guilford

2020 Award Winner: Dolores Curtis

Winner Accomplishments: Dolores Curtis has dedicated her time and energy to organizing and soliciting volunteer help for the Guilford Memorial Library and other civic organizations. She’s a consistent volunteer at the Memorial Library, helping with community functions and other events. Dolores is also known for her volunteer work for the gardening club.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Piscataquis Town: Milo

2020 Award Winner: Ricky Bradeen

Winner Accomplishments: Ricky Bradeen has taken the Milo Events Committee to new heights. He is devoted to making Milo a more enjoyable place for both residents and visitors. Whether it’s the ever growing Black Fly Festival or our Hometown Holidays events, Ricky is at the forefront, making sure it all gets done. Milo is so fortunate to have someone like Ricky, who manages to have time between his regular work schedule to ensure Milo’s events continue to grow.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Piscataquis Town: Sangerville

2020 Award Winner: East Sangerville Grange

Winner Accomplishments: East Sangerville Grange helps members of the agricultural community connect with resources they need to grow and flourish. The grange hosts an annual Apple pressing event, a Holiday Craft Fair and annually gives Don Hall Scholarships to Piscataquis Community High School graduates. During the current pandemic, East Sangerville Grange organized a parade of cars to celebrate the birthday of a three year-old whose birthday party was canceled because of COVID-19 – that thoughtful project received coverage from WABI TV and in the National Grange magazine!

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Piscataquis Town: Wellington

2020 Award Winner: Vaughn & Darlene Bussell

Winner Accomplishments: Vaughn Bussell has maintained Wellington’s roadways year-round since before the turn of the century & been chief of Wellington’s fire department a majority of the years since its inception in 1986. His wife Darlene has served several terms as a Selectmen, been a Budget Committee member and also a loyal Ladies Auxiliary member.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Yes

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County: Sagadahoc Town: Arrowsic

2020 Award Winner: Don Kornrumpf, Will Neilson, Ken Hnottevange-Telleen

Winner Accomplishments: Don, Will and Ken secured for the Town of Arrowsic a USDA loan/grant for $1,208,508 under the ReConnect Program for the construction and development of fiber optic broadband internet to the Town.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Sagadahoc Town: Bath

2020 Award Winner: Stephen August

Winner Accomplishments: Stephen August chairs the RSU #1 School Board, serves as Treasurer of Kennebec Estuary Land Trust and also is on the Patten Free Library Board. His ‘behind the scenes nuts and bolts’ work creates partnerships where collaboration trumps competition. Stephen’s leadership, thoughtfulness and dedication significantly enrich the Bath community.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Sagadahoc Town: Georgetown

2020 Award Winner: Georgetown Comprehensive Planning Committee

Winner Accomplishments: The Georgetown Comprehensive Planning Committee, a group of dedicated individuals, worked tirelessly for almost two years to bring an updated and impressive comprehensive plan to Georgetown’s annual town meeting.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Sagadahoc Town: MSAD #75

2020 Award Winner: Williams-Cone School ‘Have a Heart for Hunger’ Food Drive

Winner Accomplishments: Williams-Cone School ‘Have a Heart for Hunger’ Food Drive is an annual project benefiting the MidCoast Hunger Prevention Program. Canned and dry food items brought to Williams-Cone by its students and school staff are collected throughout the month of February. Besides helping MCHPP provide hungry people with access to healthy food, the project is meant to teach and reinforce to pupils the values of kindness, compassion and giving to their local community.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Sagadahoc Town: Phippsburg

2020 Award Winner: Gary E. Morong

Winner Accomplishments: Gary Morong has served as

Community Television Station Manager,

Emergency Management Director,

Totman Library Trustee,

Cemetery District Clerk,

Fire Department volunteer,

Rescue Department volunteer

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Sagadahoc Town: Richmond

2020 Award Winner: Laurisa Loon

Winner Accomplishments: Laurisa Loon was raised in Richmond and has been a town employee for 14 years. She is always going beyond her designated duties, helping every department, giving countless hours to town programs such as Richmond Days, the Halloween Festival and the town’s Christmas Tree Lighting – she makes sure the events are something everyone will enjoy and can participate in and afford. Laurisa’s countless hours spent on these events spills into the evenings and weekends for months on end. Her duties as Richmond’s General Assistance Administrator have helped her see the people’s needs – when the Town can’t help, Loon has stepped up on her own to assist those in need whether its someone needing a coat, a baby car seat or money for fuel. Laurisa also takes the time to help the elderly with computer needs by offering classes and in-home lessons.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Sagadahoc Town: RSU #1

2020 Award Winner: Midcoast Community Alliance

Winner Accomplishments: Midcoast Community Alliance has offered all-day programming to support 35 Regional School Unit 1 students on the days they are not in school due to COVID-19. Students come to the youth center and skate park and do their schoolwork during the morning with employees there to help guide them if needed. After lunch, the youths can participate in a variety of activities. Volunteers bring hot meals for students 3X/week. This past summer Midcoast Community Alliance launched an all-day summer program in which children and teens participated in educational and enrichment activities.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Sagadahoc Town: West Bath School District

2020 Award Winner: West Bath School Better World Day Project

Winner Accomplishments: West Bath School Better World Day Project – as their project, students made posters thanking essential workers and first responders for all they were doing for the community during the pandemic. Parents took pictures of their children displaying the posters & sent the photos to the school. 2nd grade teacher Kelsey Marco compiled a lovely video and sent a copy to essential workers and first responders in appreciation of their efforts. Feedback from recipients was shared with students during ‘crew’ meetings so pupils could understand the impact their kindness was having on others. The video is really cute & inspirational – you’re encouraged to watch it at https://youtu.be/6yV5cmdMubA and are welcome to forward the link to others.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Sagadahoc Town: Woolwich

2020 Award Winner: Barbara Richards

Winner Accomplishments: Barbara Richards

Designed and planted the garden at the Nequasset Meetinghouse
Organized the class that built the Stock Stone Wall between the Nequasset Meetinghouse and cemetery
Designed and planted area outside the Woolwich Town Office
Designed and helps to maintain the garden at the Woolwich Historical Museum
Currently painting and redesigning the first floor of the Museum
Designed and planted the landscaping at the Woolwich Town House
Board member of Woolwich Historical Society for several years
Co-chaired the Bake sale for Woolwich Day

Barbara also

Developed a relationship with Habitat for Humanity by serving on their volunteer services committee and working on local projects including a landscaping installation at a house in Bath
Served as President of the Bath Garden Club 2011-2013 and vice president 2009-2011.
Co Chaired the Bath Garden Club’s annual Plant Sale 2015 to present
Co Chaired the Bath Garden Club’s Festival of Greens 2016 to present
Chair of the Bath Garden Club’s Civic Beautification Committee 2018 to present

For your info, the Civic Beautification Committee promotes projects to enhance the appearance of Bath and surrounding areas (including Woolwich) and forms coalitions with other organizations to identify mutual goals and complete projects.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Somerset Town: Anson

2020 Award Winner: Center Point Community Church

Winner Accomplishments: Central Point Community Church is instrumental in helping feed the Anson community, not only during this pandemic, but also throughout the year.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Somerset Town: Athens

2020 Award Winner: Athens Recreation Department

Winner Accomplishments: The Town of Athens chose the Athens Recreation Department as the 2020 Spirit of America recipient. The Rec. Department has been around as long as most can remember and currently consists of a dedicated group of men and women who work all year round providing a variety of programs for both the Athens and surrounding towns’ youth. Over the years Rec Department has organized Family Fun Days, which is held at The Athens Fairgrounds. Family Fun Days includes things like water slides, bungee jumps, pig roasts, pie eating contests, family games, etc. and ends with a Fire Works display for the whole area to enjoy. The Rec. Department is actually in charge of the Athens Fairgrounds area, which was a gift from the Wessurrunset Valley Fairgrounds Association – the grounds consist of a baseball field, outside basketball court, tennis court, ice skating rink, exhibition hall, gazebo and more and is open for all to enjoy. Several years ago the Rec. Department developed a regulation size football field, which also doubles as a soccer field. This field has been very popular for training camps, it has hosted some well attended games, and the field was even used by a semi-pro football team.

The Rec. Department sponsors a swim program for Athens and Brighton youths that is held at Lake George Camp Paduc in Canaan. In addition to swim instruction, there are arts and crafts and often a theatre production to end the week.

The Rec. Deparment works endlessly organizing sports programs for all ages, including: basketball, baseball, football, softball and soccer and it’s fortunate to have loyal individuals help coach and referee these events. The Rec. holds Monster Ball fundraisers, Halloween parties, dances, and the list goes on. The Recreation Department is committed to instilling Honesty, Loyalty, Integrity, Teamwork, Discipline, Sportsmanship, Respect, Leadership, Trust and Commitment in the young participants and believes these values and virtues are important to their growth and becoming active members of the Athens community and society. The Town of Athens is proud to have such a vested group of people working on our youths behalf and wishes to thank them and all the area supporters for their continued dedication.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: Bingham

2020 Award Winner: Drew Foran

Winner Accomplishments: Drew Foran has volunteered in many Bingham town functions, including Kids Day and the Annual Christmas Party. Only about 20 years old, he pitches in wherever and whenever help is needed in community events

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Somerset Town: Canaan

2020 Award Winner: Danny Ring & The Ring Family Farm

Winner Accomplishments: Danny Ring of The Ring Family Farm does multiple events every year to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. From Winter Family Day in February to Fall Family Day in October, he makes sure there is something to offer people of all ages. These events offer horse drawn wagon rides, refreshments, pumpkin carving, blacksmith demonstrations, chainsaw carving demonstrations, and all proceeds are donated to Make-A-Wish. Danny Ring and The Ring Family Farm deserve recognition for years of these events!

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Somerset Town: Cornville

2020 Award Winner: Cornville Volunteer Fire Department

Winner Accomplishments: Cornville Volunteer Fire Department has responded to many emergencies throughout the years. Making personal sacrifices to serve their community, its members annually devote a lot of time to training and preparation.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Somerset Town: Embden

2020 Award Winner: Charles Taylor

Winner Accomplishments: Charles Taylor was educated in SAD #74 Carrabec school District and was graduated with a bachelors degree from the University of Maine at Farmington. While working a full time job in The propane and oil business, Chuck found time to serve as a volunteer firefighter in North New Portland Fire Dept. , volunteer little league baseball coach in NNP, treasurer of the Wire Bridge Sno-travelers snowmobile club, president of the NNP Lions Club, Embden Selectman/overseer for the poor and General Assistances Officer, (20 yrs. in each role,) Chuck volunteers to do many jobs/services above and beyond his selectman’s role. Chuck is an advocate for the elderly/needy and helps many in our area. He never hesitates to answer the call when a fellow human needs assistance. Chuck is an amazing man, and the residents of Embden are lucky to have him in our town.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Somerset Town: Fairfield

2020 Award Winner: Doug & Marie Cutchin

Winner Accomplishments: A RESOLUTION Providing recognition of Doug and Marie Cutchin as recipients of the Spirit of America Award.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Fairfield as follows:

WHEREAS, for over thirty years Doug and Marie Cutchin have volunteered and contributed diligently to serving the Town of Fairfield and the surrounding area in various capacities including: the Fairfield Historical Society, Central Maine Growth Council, Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, Maine General Hospital Board of Directors, Waterville Development Corporation, Thomas College Board of Trustees, Waterville Women’s Association, Waterville Evening Sandwich Program, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Doug and Marie Cutchin have demonstrated a devotion to the Town of Fairfield, the greater community, and their Wing family ties with compassion, respect, and sincerity and

WHEREAS, the Town of Fairfield recognizes Doug and Marie Cutchin’s faithful service to the Fairfield Historical Society for over eighteen years by not only being a supporter of the organization’s initiatives, but also by serving on the Board of Directors as either President or Treasurer, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Fairfield, recognizes the sincere civic-mindedness of Doug and Marie in promoting the well-being of the community by encouraging the economic growth through business, community involvement with the donation of land for the PAL Sports Program, supporting the Fairfield Chocolate Festival, Fairfield Days, Budget and Economic Development Committees, and in sharing and promoting Fairfield’s history, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Fairfield and its citizens cherish the efforts, positive influence, inspiration and achievements of Doug and Marie Cutchin; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Fairfield does hereby recognize Doug and Marie Cutchin for these outstanding accomplishments and congratulate them on this day of dedication to acknowledge and reward their dedication to this community with the 2020 Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: Harmony

2020 Award Winner: Marie Lougee

Winner Accomplishments: The 2020 Harmony Maine, Spirit of America Foundation Tribute, honors Marie Lougee for commendable community service.

A Resolution by the Select board of the Town of Harmony, this 21st day of March, in the year 2020 as follows:

Whereas, Marie has served as a member of the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and has held the position of secretary for the department, doing the majority of the administrative duties

Whereas, Marie has served many important roles as a member of the Harmony Regional Ambulance Service

Whereas, Marie has been instrumental in forming the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary

Whereas, Marie has served as president of the Patriarchs Club

Whereas, Marie has served on the Harmony PTK and served as a Girl Scout Leader

Whereas, Marie has served as the reporter for the Heart Of Gold Snowmobile Club

Whereas Marie is always willing to lend a helping hand to community members

Therefore be it resolved by the Select board, of the Town of Harmony, in sincere gratitude and appreciation, that Marie Lougee is hereby recognized for her exemplary citizenship and outstanding achievements and honors, brought upon this community, with the 2020 Harmony Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Somerset Town: Hartland

2020 Award Winner: Irving Tanning Community Center Board

Winner Accomplishments: The Irving Tanning Community Center (ITCC) Board is the recipient of the 2020 Hartland Spirit of America award. This group of highly motivated people has provided the leadership necessary to ensure the Community Center’s success and growth. This success has been achieved with volunteered time from all the Board members.

The goal of the ITCC Board is to provide a safe place for a variety of activities. The ITCC has hosted business meetings, parties, educational events, showers, musical events, and celebrations of life. The Board is working diligently to make the ITCC facility financially stable and independent.

The sports programs that are conducted at the facility are second to none. Each year the soccer and basketball programs provide area youth with an incredible experience. They learn all about teamwork, supporting each other, and many other valuable life skills.

Due to the volunteerism of the Board Members of the ITCC, the facility will quickly become the hub of Hartland activities. The board is lead by Robin McNeil and Dot Humphrey who plan for community events and Shawn and Betsy Coots who plan the sports programs. The remaining Board members who volunteer provide positive direction, financial management, and support which is necessary to sustain the success of the ITCC’s goal of providing a safe gathering place for a variety of activities.

A sincere thank you to the ITCC Board Members for their volunteerism, hard work, and commitment to the Town of Hartland and the surrounding communities with regard to the ITCC facility.

Board members include: Robin McNeil, Dot Humphrey, Shawn Coots, Jim Dyer, Nate Foss, Peter Denbow, Shirley Humphrey, Hadley Buker, and David Pelton

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Somerset Town: Jackman

2020 Award Winner: William Jarvis

Winner Accomplishments: William ‘Bill’ Jarvis is being recognized for his unselfish service to the Greater Jackman Community. In the past he has served in numerous leadership roles, in addition to assisting in the creation of the Jackman Region Community Association (an organization he has been the director of since its inception). Currently, Bill is the Chief of the Jackman-Moose River Fire and Rescue Department, a role that requires him to remain an active and instrumental part of the community. In 2019 Chief Jarvis nominated the Fire Department to win a 1989 Federal Fire Truck at no cost to the community, and he was successful. Bill has also played a crucial role in the implementation of the pilot community paramedicine program. We are grateful for all of the work that Bill does to better our region; he is most deserving of this award.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Somerset Town: Madison

2020 Award Winner: James Ireland

Winner Accomplishments: The Madison Selectmen are pleased to nominate Jim Ireland for recognition as a Spirit of America winner. In 1975, Jim retired as the rank of Corporal from the State Police and then served as Supervisor of Supportive Services for Madison School District for 20 years. Ireland has been a dedicated member of the Town’s Budget Advisory Committee and the Appeals Board, and he even served for a time as the Somerset County Emergency Management Director.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: Mercer

2020 Award Winner: Mug Up!

Winner Accomplishments: Mug Up! bimonthly get-togethers for Mercer Silver Citizens are organized by Trustees and Friends of Shaw Library. These are fun and friendly gatherings at Mercer Community Center offering social interaction, directed activities such as art, ceramics, greeting card making, music, charades, balance screening, nutrition, safety tips, games and puzzles, and sometimes just talk and friendship. Co-organizers are Mary Chouinard and Jane Wallace, who are joined by many volunteers.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: Moose River

2020 Award Winner: Moose River Bicentennial Committee

Winner Accomplishments: Moose River was settled by Samuel Holden in 1820. The Moose River Bicentennial Committee was created in July, 2019 and has been working on plans for a celebration to take place in September, 2020. Memorabilia is being gathered on an ongoing basis & folks are working on grants for the restoration and renovation of the Holden Cemetery (the first local cemetery). Activities are being coordinated with other organizations and events taking place the same weekend.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: Moscow

2020 Award Winner: Joan Petersen

Winner Accomplishments: Joan Petersen was chosen as the Town of Moscow’s 2020 Spirit of America Foundation Tribute recipient for helping to organize St. Peter’s Food Pantry and for her volunteer work there.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Somerset Town: New Portland

2020 Award Winner: New Portland Sand Salt Shed Committee

Winner Accomplishments: New Portland Sand Salt Shed Committee realized a need for citizens to be able to get buckets of sand & salt to keep their driveways safe from ice during winter seasons. The committee coordinated a bidding process & has overseen the construction and operation of the shed. Committee members were Michael Malesky, Raymond Poulin, Andrea Reichert, Wayne Rundlett, Michael Senecal, Brenda Stevens and Lewis Wills.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Somerset Town: Norridgewock

2020 Award Winner: Becky Ketchum

Winner Accomplishments: Each year, the Town of Norridgewock has worked cooperatively with the Spirit of America Foundation to recognize volunteers and organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life in our community. Past recipients of this award have deep ties to Norridgewock and have made significant contributions to better our community. This year is no different.

The Town of Norridgewock Board of Selectmen unanimously selected this year’s Spirit of America Award recipient. With a lifelong connection to Norridgewock, this year’s recipient has made her mark. Having moved away for work, she never forgot her roots and always treasured the history and memories that she made along the Kennebec.

As President of the Norridgewock Historical Society, Becky Ketchum has led the organization in a direction that is expanding its services to the community, outreaching to the area’s young people, and making great strides in preserving the collections. Her passion for historic preservation extended into her role working with Maine DOT as a part of the Historic Panel Design Committee, which will be unveiled this spring near the terrace by Sophie May Library.

Becky is active in the Village Improvement Society, Somerset Grange, and was a key member of last year’s Oosoola Days planning committee. In her role at Historical, together with Oosoola Days, she spearheaded the first duck race, which helped to raise money for the Historical Society.

Looking for a volunteer to serve on a Town committee? Call Becky. She is ever-reliable and thorough in her service. She considers information thoughtfully and provides a professional perspective at each turn. Ready to help, she has become a fixture on many committees: TIF Committee, Planning Board, Cemetery Committee, Library Trustees, and the Budget Committee.

Becky has been an invaluable resource to our community, willing to give of her personal and professional knowledge to further the promotion of Norridgewock. More recently, she has served as a member of the Community Revitalization Plan working group, where she has been instrumental in analyzing data, compiling survey results, and providing diverse perspectives to our shared goals. Becky goes above and beyond the call, to make a meaningful impact in her hometown.

For her dedication to the Town of Norridgewock and its people, we are pleased to recognize and honor Becky Ketchum with the 2019 Spirit of America Award.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Somerset Town: Pittsfield

2020 Award Winner: Paul E. Bertrand

Winner Accomplishments: When one thinks of recreation for children in Pittsfield, the name ‘Paul Bertrand’ comes to mind. Paul is a long-term volunteer on all projects dealing with children. For many decades, he has served term after term on the Recreation Committee, managed Little League and other sports events as well as the Snack Shacks. Paul was the coordinator of the Swimming Pool Construction Project as well as other Town park renovations. The Town named our new swimming pool the “Paul E. Bertrand Community Swimming Pool” to honor Paul for his leadership and commitment for a new swimming pool for the children. For decades Paul has been the “go-to” person for Manson Park, our 48 acre park and recreation. He has served terms on the Maine Central Institute (MCI) Trustees and served on many MCI committees. Therefore, Paul E. Bertrand was Pittsfield’s choice for the Pittsfield Spirit of America tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: Ripley

2020 Award Winner: Samuel J. Tewksbury

Winner Accomplishments: When the Town office was moved to its new location in 2014, Sam volunteered his professional knowledge to help set up the office. He has been providing technical assistance and support ever since. Whenever the staff calls him for help with the networking or any other issues, he has always showed up after his long day at work to help us. The Select People and office staff are very grateful for all his volunteerism to the Town.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Somerset Town: Skowhegan

2020 Award Winner: Main Street Skowhegan

Winner Accomplishments: Holiday Stroll, Moose Festival, BrewFest and several other community events. Many volunteer hours put into promoting the Town of Skowhegan. Fundraising and grant writing for Run of River.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: Smithfield

2020 Award Winner: Linda French

Winner Accomplishments: RESOLVED by the Selectmen of the Town of Smithfield as follows: WHEREAS, Linda L. French has served the public steadfast and faithfully as Smithfield Town Clerk for twenty years, served on Somerset County Clerks Association for twenty years, served as former Substitute Teacher at Smithfield and Mercer Schools, and served as former Smithfield Baptist Church Sunday School Director;” and WHEREAS, Linda L. French has logged decades of hard work, volunteering dozens of hours annually, engaging in community collaboration not limited to but including: Liaison between Smithfield Baptist Church and General Assistance Program, and Liaison between Smithfield Baptist Church and Smithfield Food Pantry’s Santa Giving Tree; and WHEREAS, Linda L. French serves as Smithfield Historical Society, Vice-President and is committed to the mission and vision of the SHS. She has been dedicated in preserving and promoting the history, culture, and heritage not only of the Town of Smithfield, but also the Somerset region and State of Maine; and WHEREAS, Linda L. French unceasingly provides ongoing information and example that inspires others to be community involved, solution-oriented, and continues to be an ambassador for the greater Smithfield and Somerset communities; and WHEREAS, the Town of Smithfield and its citizens appreciate the ongoing service, efforts, positive influence, inspiration and achievements of Linda L. French, now therefore; BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Selectmen of the Town of Smithfield, do hereby recognize Linda L. French for these outstanding accomplishments and congratulate her on this day of dedication to acknowledge and reward her dedication to this community with the 2020 Spirit of America Foundation Tribute; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be appropriately framed and presented to the award recipient for display. Sealed with the Seal of the Town of Smithfield, Maine, on this Eighteenth Day of February in the Year Two Thousand and Twenty.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: Solon

2020 Award Winner: Richard Roberts

Winner Accomplishments: BE IT RESOLVED by the Selectmen of the Town of Solon as follows:

WHEREAS, Richard Roberts has served as a member of the Historical Society for many years and has taken on the task of preserving the memories of our senior citizens by videotaping them and scanning their collections of photos and articles for the Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, Richard has served as a Library Trustee since 2014 and as Chair from 2015 to 2018; and

WHEREAS, Richard has served on the ad hoc Library Building Committee since 2014 and is now on the formal Library Building Committee; and

WHEREAS, since Richard started teaching in the mid-1980s he has helped numerous students in Solon and the surrounding towns by providing them with guidance and encouragement. His performance and technical expertise were instrumental in the theatrical and MDI programs at the high school and his MDI performances were always a big hit; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Selectmen of the Town of Solon that Richard Roberts is hereby recognized for his great achievements and honors that he has brought and is continuing to bring upon this community with the 2020 Solon Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: St. Albans

2020 Award Winner: Brian Steinwand

Winner Accomplishments: The late Brian Steinwand worked in the Peace Corps to provide African communities with sustainable fishing methods in his younger years. Moving to Maine, he served as Chairman of St. Albans Planning Commission. A member of the Big Indian Pond Lake Committee and gatekeeper for the lake’s dam, Brian helped the Lake Stewards of Maine monitor water quality in Saint Albans. He also worked on the town’s comprehensive plan & his firework shows for local friends were also not to be missed. Brian Steinwand’s service to the community, the environment, and town government was much appreciated.

In his later years, he enjoyed being a part of the Saint Albans community. worked on the town’s comprehensive plan. His firework shows for local friends were also not to be missed.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Somerset Town: Starks

2020 Award Winner: William Pressey

Winner Accomplishments: 1. William Pressey is a long term member of the Starks Fire Department.

As Fire Chief during the past several years he has led the department in a most successful rebuilding program. Starks now has one the the better small town departments in the area.
Bill is a dedicated Building Superintendent who has nicely maintained the town community center.
He has long served as Starks’ Sexton, taking excellent care of town cemeteries.
As a member of the Starks Highway Department for many years, Pressey has done much to keep our public ways safe.
Bill has made Starks a better place to live.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Waldo Town: Belfast

2020 Award Winner: The Richards Family

Winner Accomplishments: The Richards family contributions to civil service for the City of Belfast, Maine over the past 50 years can easily be witnessed through the selfless public service of Jim and Joyce Richards. Jim has served as the Fire Chief and Ambulance Director, and formerly was the Harbor Master as well. Joyce served as an ambulance attendant and has worked the city’s election sites over the years. Both Jim and Joyce have also lent their time and energy to hundreds of volunteer efforts in public and private projects, from building ballfields to supervising activities. All of their children and several grandchildren have also contributed in many professional and volunteer positions at the Public Works Department, the Fire and Ambulance Departments, the YMCA, parks, athletics, theatre, education, recreation programs and facilities, and activities for challenged and less fortunate adults and children. The City of Belfast gratefully recognizes the Richards family’s countless contributions.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: Waldo Town: Burnham

2020 Award Winner: Maurice Call

Winner Accomplishments: The late Maurice Call served a number of terms as selectman in Burnham and was part of the fire department. While serving as selectman, what he enjoyed the most was checking on folks who may be in need of a hand. A memorable experience for him, for a variety of reasons, was a trip to Indiana to get a new fire truck, which he drove back to Burnham. Maurice was a 50 plus year member and past master of the Star in the West Masonic Lodge #85 A.F. & A.M., and a member of the Josiah H. Drummond Eastern Star.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Waldo Town: Frankfort

2020 Award Winner: Janet Keene

Winner Accomplishments: Janet Keene has volunteered countless hours for the Neighbors Food Cupboard, the Waldo Peirce Reading Room and the Frankfort Congregational Church.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Waldo Town: Freedon

2020 Award Winner: Frances Walker

Winner Accomplishments: Honoring Frances Walker.

Be it resolved by the Selectmen of the Town of Freedom as follows:

Whereas, the creation of the Town of Freedom’s website over 20 years ago as a service to the Town and its residents warrants recognition; and

Whereas, The LionWitch Puppet Theater has offered amusement around the community and the State to children and adults, and bringing joy merits acknowledgement; and

Whereas, the leadership of the Literacy Volunteers of Belfast has offered the light of literacy and knowledge to many, and educating others is worthy of respect; and

Whereas, the Pie Cone is a unique and tasty pleasure which has brought delight to many, and creative local food should be appreciated; and

Whereas, service to the community as a member of the Planning Board, the Freedom Community the Historical Society and as Health Officer has made our common lives richer;

Be it Resolved by the Selectmen of the Town of Freedom that Frances Walker, who has contributed all of these things, is recognized by her achievements and the honor she has brought upon this community with Freedom’s 2020 Spirit of America Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Waldo Town: Jackson

2020 Award Winner: Brenda Dennison

Winner Accomplishments: Brenda Dennison has been instrumental in keeping the Town of Jackson operating during this Pandemic. She has run the Town Office with integrity and efficiency for the benefit of Jackson residents. We could not have done it without her. Brenda also has served years on the Planning Board and Food Pantry Board. The Town of Jackson honors her for her dedication and professionalism.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: Waldo Town: Lincolnville

2020 Award Winner: Rosey Gerry

Winner Accomplishments: Rosey Gerry is a man who the Town and the people of Lincolnville turn to in times of need. Always ready to lend a good cause a helping hand, Rosey’s talents and abilities go beyond that of most other human beings. Rosey is a champion of those in need of a voice or a spokesperson, and he’s certainly not one to back down from any injustice. He has served his community and his country as a Veteran, a Selectman of the Town for more than 10 years, a fundraiser extraordinaire and a friend. Although there is only one Rosey Gerry, the world would benefit from more like him.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Yes

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County: Waldo Town: Northport

2020 Award Winner: Gordon Fuller

Winner Accomplishments: Gordon Fuller has been Harbor Master, Harbor Committee Member, Food Pantry Volunteer, has sat on many Boards and Committees for the Northport Village Corporation and has volunteered for food drives.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Waldo Town: RSU #3

2020 Award Winner: RSU #3 School Nutrition Program

Winner Accomplishments: The mission of RSU 3’s School Nutrition Program (SNP) is to provide the students of RSU #3 opportunities to make sound decisions in selecting high quality, nutritious meals they enjoy. In order to bolster academic performance and the wellness of its students, great effort is taken to plan nutritious and delicious meals (which the SNP staff skillfully prepares) for the students.

The SNP worked tirelessly through the spring and summer of 2020 to ensure the students of the RSU #3 community had healthy meals. In addition, they provided countless “Food Pantry” boxes to families in need – during this year of the COVID-19 pandemic, School Nutrition Program’s efforts were especially vital.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Waldo Town: Searsport

2020 Award Winner: Jayne Snowdale

Winner Accomplishments: Jayne Snowdale is very involved with the community through the Missions Committee at the Congregational Church. She has logged hundreds of hours providing meals to the youth and elderly of Searsport.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Waldo Town: Stockton Springs

2020 Award Winner: George Russell

Winner Accomplishments: George Russell frequently goes above and beyond for the Town of Stockton Springs and never hesitates to go the extra mile when anyone is in need of help. He is a great asset to his community!

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Waldo Town: Thorndike

2020 Award Winner: Beatrice Bryant

Winner Accomplishments: In 1960 the late Beatrice ‘Bea’ Bryant and her husband started a business now known as Bryant Stove Works. She was one of the first ten members of the Antique Stove Association, which was founded in 1983. Beatrice was president for ten years and hosted its annual convention every five years at Bryant Stove Works.

In 1981, Beatrice was named “Most Outstanding Person in the Wood Stove Industry,” by the Wood Heat Alliance and later was selected as one of the “10 Outstanding Women of Northern and Eastern Maine” in a contest sponsored by Bangor Daily News.

Her business was chosen as one of the winners of the Rand McNally “Best of the Road” Awards for 2003 and is one of the special recommended stops featured in the Rand McNally Road Atlas.

Beatrice enjoyed many things, including antique buttons. She was a member of the Tri County Button Club, State of Maine Button Club, Florida Manatee Button Club, Florida State Button Society, and the National Button Society.

Bea had a love for antiques and found beauty in the past. She wrote, “So many people have asked me why I do stoves. At 62 why don’t you slow down? I love what I do. I believe it takes a different or a very special kind of love to look at an old decaying object and see it as it once was. And as it could be again if someone cared enough. I am not looking for money, praise of thank you’s but something deeper and more enduring. A chance to rescue the past and offer it to another generation. With the good Lord’s help and for many more years maybe we can do so.”

Before her death, Bryant was deeply involved in planning Thorndike’s Bicentennial. She allowed local artists to take pieces of stoves from the graveyard to use in artwork created for display at the bicentennial celebration.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Waldo Town: Troy

2020 Award Winner: Gerald Parker

Winner Accomplishments: Gerald Parker always loved the Town of Troy and its community – assisting with winter road maintenance and helping make a safer environment during harsh winter months.

Jerry was a member of the American Legion Benjamin Berry Post #50 for 49 years, where he served in many positions including Post Commander and Commander of the 4th District. Parker was very involved with the Veterans’ Memorial in Troy and helping with the flags being hung around town.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Waldo Town: Unity

2020 Award Winner: Riley and Aubri Bosco

Winner Accomplishments: Riley and Aubri Bosco are two youths (ages 11-13) who designed Unity’s “Reduce, Recycle, Reuse” posters, volunteered for the annual clean-up day, picked up trash in the town, donated a “Little Free Library” to Unity, and hand painted several stones with positive messages that the town uses in its garden.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: Waldo Town: Winterport

2020 Award Winner: Donald Nelson

Winner Accomplishments: Donald Nelson has served numerous years as sexton of the Winterport Cemetery District and also served on many town committees.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Washington Town: Addison

2020 Award Winner: Addison Fire Auxiliary

Winner Accomplishments: Addison Fire Auxiliary is a charity based organization that runs Beano to raise funds for the fire department. Auxiliary also does several events during the year to provide it funds to donate to other community projects. Some of the past items purchased for the fire department include the new Jaws of Life, part of the funds needed for the new fire rescue truck ($7000) and many other pieces of equipment. Some of the community donations have gone to the schools for books and computers, funds to start a local soccer team, fireworks for Addison Days and it also provides three scholarships each year. Addison Fire Auxiliary is a wonderful organization and always looking for new members.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Washington Town: Baileyville

2020 Award Winner: Baileyville Fire Department

Winner Accomplishments: Baileyville Fire Department, led by Chief John Mcphee, organized the first ever Washington County Red, White and Blue Fourth of July parade this year. Dozens of fire, police and EMS units drove part of all of the 60-80 mile route – and hundreds or thousands of spectators really appreciated and showed their support of those who keep us safe. This parade filled a huge hole, because so many Fourth of July parades were cancelled. Baileyville is a mutual aid & has 13 firefighters, who annually spend countless hours preparing for emergencies.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Washington Town: Calais

2020 Award Winner: St. Croix Knights of Columbus Council #149

Winner Accomplishments: St. Croix Knights of Columbus Council #149 is well known locally for organizing an annual Free Throw championship for youths. It is a small group of hardworking individuals who deliver meals to those in need. Council #149 works well with the local Native American Tribe, the elderly, and others.

Distinction: ” Dedication: No

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County: Washington Town: Columbia Falls

2020 Award Winner: Grace L. Falzarano

Winner Accomplishments: Grace L. Falzarano served as the Columbia Falls Treasurer since 2015; and Grace has served on the Selectboard from 2007-2009; and Grace has served as Planning Board Member from 1998-2006; and Grace is a consistent volunteer with Pleasant River Historical Society since 2017; and Grace is also a consistent volunteer with Union Hall Committee since 2018; and Grace is well known for assisting with Election Day duties.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: Washington Town: Lubec

2020 Award Winner: Lubec Lions Club

Winner Accomplishments: Lubec Lions Club has been very involved with Bikes for Kids, with introducing vision screening into the local school system, and with a variety of joint projects with other organizations. The Lions club also collects glasses, hearing aids and old cell phones for recycling/re-use & helps purchase new pairs of glasses for those in need.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: Washington Town: Machiasport

2020 Award Winner: Frank Foster Jr.

Winner Accomplishments: Frank Foster Jr. was born in Machiasport. He spent 30 years in Manilla and received many recognitions there for his participation in local events.

Frank returned to Machiasport when he retired in 1982, where his volunteerism continued. He was a co-founder and very active member of Machiasport Historical Society, serving as president and helping to expand the Society’s collection.

Foster researched and wrote extensively while preserving historical photographs and records of the area, many of which make up the historical society’s archival material.

During his lifetime he was credited in many books and periodicals regarding Machiasport and the surrounding area.

Frank did so much for Machiasport; his influence will remain for many years to come.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Yes

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County: Washington Town: Steuben

2020 Award Winner: Steuben Volunteer Fire Dept.

Winner Accomplishments: Steuben Volunteer Fire Department recently hosted the 2020 Washington County Red, White and Blue Fourth of July Parade. The department every December gives a ride to Santa Claus as he distributes candy to Steuben children, and this April organized a delivery of gifts by the Easter Bunny. Each year Steuben Fire Dept. runs a fundraising chicken barbecue. All is in addition to its responding to emergencies and countless hours spent in preparation training. Steuben’s department goes well and above the call of duty.

Distinction: ” Dedication: No

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County: York Town: Berwick

2020 Award Winner: Pat & Paul Boisvert

Winner Accomplishments: A Resolution by the Board of Selectmen

July 28, 2020

Maine Spirit of America Foundation Tribute honors

Pat and Paul Boisvert

Whereas, Pat and Paul Boisvert, citizens of Berwick have served the Berwick community as volunteers and appointed officials. They have given their heart and soul to mostly behind the scene promoting the Town of Berwick and having the vision of what Berwick is and can be. They have been a very active and positive members of the Berwick Community.

Whereas, Paul has been the longest tenured Planning Board member for 48 years.

Whereas, Pat has served the Berwick children as a teacher in the local schools.

Whereas, Pat and Paul serve on the Envision Berwick Committee and are Honorary Members, Paul

as treasurer.

Whereas, Pat and Paul served on the Historical Society and Preservation/Heritage Committee

Whereas, Pat and Paul have championed the Berwick Library Donations

Whereas, Pat and Paul have been instrumental in the creation of the Berwick Ice Skating Rink, Prime

Tanning Brick Stack Preservation.,

Whereas, Pat and Paul were part of the creation of Great Falls Park and the Riverfront Kayak

Volunteers

Whereas, Pat and Paul were part of the Prime Tanning Redevelopment Project

Whereas, Pat and Paul are Berwick role models for love of family, community and friendship with

their tireless energy and “let’s get it done” attitude.

Therefore, be it Resolved by the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Berwick in sincere gratitude and appreciation that Pat and Paul Boisvert are hereby recognized for their exemplary citizenship and achievement and honor brought to the Community with the “2020 Spirit of America Foundation Tribute”.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Biddeford

2020 Award Winner: Holly Culloton

Winner Accomplishments: Holly Culloton has been very involved in community building over a period of many years. She has helped immigrant and minority communities, worked to establish a local teen center, and, more recently, created neighborhood gardens across the city. As a Master Gardener, Culloton lends her expertise to the many who want to become involved in growing their own food, and the results are amazing. Holly is always willing to help out in any capacity.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: York Town: Cornish

2020 Award Winner: Merle Googins

Winner Accomplishments: Volunteers for the Cornish United Church of Christ, Greenleaf Masonic Lodge No. 117, Riverside Cemetery Association (Trustee and Caretaker), provides car rides for the sick or less fortunate, fund-raises for the Riverside and Hillside Church, maintains the church buildings.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: York Town: Dayton

2020 Award Winner: Theodore Poirier

Winner Accomplishments: In 2000, Theodore Poirier moved to Dayton and became Chair of the Town Selectmen for 9 years. He was instrumental and very proud of building The Dayton Town Hall with all town volunteers.

One of Ted’s greatest passions was his community. He was past president of Old Orchard Beach Lions Club. He was very involved in the City of Saco, as a member of the Saco Charter Commission and a member of the Saco Industrial Park Commission. In 1994, Ted became State Representative of District 15 representing Dayton and Saco. He also sat on the Joint Standing Committee of Taxation and the Joint Standing Committee of Energy and Utilities and was a proud member of the Republican Committee.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Eliot

2020 Award Winner: James Tessier

Winner Accomplishments: James Tessier is a very active volunteer who led the Town of Eliot’s effort on Pay-to-Throw waste disposal system, Chairs the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee, serves as Vice Chair of Eliot’s Budget Committee, and attends many other committee meetings to keep himself abreast of town activities.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Eliot

2020 Award Winner: John Murphy

Winner Accomplishments: John “Jack” Murphy is 92 and now in a rest home, but has served on nearly every board, committee or commission of the Town of Eliot for decades. Literally, he has done too much to even try to list.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Hollis

2020 Award Winner: Robert Mahlon Hanson

Winner Accomplishments:

WHEREAS the volunteer spirit that helped to build Hollis is alive and strong today, and
WHEREAS each year many citizens commit their time and talents to improve the quality of life for our entire community, and
WHEREAS the entire community benefits the valuable contributions that volunteers make,
THEREFORE MEMBERS OF THE SELECT BOARD OF HOLLIS, MAINE do hereby proclaim that Robert Mahlon Hanson has been selected as the Spirit of the America Foundation award.
The specific reasons why we would like to recognize him as the Spirit of the America Foundation award include: (a slight delay due to COVID)

Robert continued in his father’s footsteps to be the Road Commissioner for the Town of Hollis. His years of dedication began in 1956 when he went to work for his father. (A tough road to take with very high expectations and standards).

He learned early in his life that you always stopped to help someone if they were off the road for any reason whether snow, ice, mud or just because. Often, making sure that individuals were safe, warm, and able to proceed without any problem.

Robert served on the Volunteer Hollis Fire Department for many years. Responding rapidly to emergencies within his community, offering a kind word and encouragement to individuals affected. One time when Hollis purchased a new fire truck it would not fit in the fire barn. The truck was stored up on Pleasant Hill in the red barn that burned and Robert and Ken would leave work and take the truck to the fire when needed.

Robert was an active member of the Odd Fellow which is a fraternal organization that believes in friendship, love, truth and service to the community.

He donated both his time and energy in supporting community members who were less fortunate. Hot meals, delivering kerosene or wood during those cold winter months, or donating money, resources and time to any local fundraising event.

His lifelong love of tractors is often evidenced in parades and community events such as “Deck the Hauls’ this past winter.

Robert was always there whenever anyone was in need never expecting anything but just kindness which he provided to everyone. He firmly believes that kindness should be afforded to everyone and has lived by that motto throughout his life.

He has instilled the same values into the family members who follow in his footprints. An act of kindness will be returned to you fourfold.

It is an honor and privilege for the Select Board to present this prestigious award to Robert Mahlon Hanson.

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County: York Town: Kennebunkport

2020 Award Winner: Stuart E. Barwise

Winner Accomplishments: Kennebunkport has had many famous people—past presidents, movie stars, writers, etc. Although Stuart Barwise may not be on the list of the rich and famous, he certainly was one of the most popular. His effervescent personality was contagious, and he could change the temperature of the room from negative to positive. He had the ability to make everyone he met feel special.

Stuart worked for over 30 years in the hospitality industry across the country, but he always considered Kennebunkport his home base. It is where he and his beloved wife Bibi raised their two sons Ian and Dylan.

Even with Stuart’s busy schedule, he always found time for community service. Serving on the Kennebunkport Board of Selectmen for 13 years (2004–2007 and 2009–2019), he was a mentor and the voice of reason. He had a knack for listening to people and making them feel that their opinions mattered, even if he did not share the same ones. He also served on the Budget Board, Recreation Committee, and RSU #21 Planning Committee.

Although Stuart’s life was cut short, his legacy of hospitality, family, and community, will live on. He loved Kennebunkport and Kennebunkport loves him.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: York Town: Kittery

2020 Award Winner: Kittery Lions Club

Winner Accomplishments: Kittery Lions Club teams with a different group each month to organize a monthly breakfast raising funds for charitable causes. The club also provides medical equipment such as crutches, wheelchairs, walkers etc. to folks so they don’t need to purchase and then discard them – Lions members repair, sanitize and deliver the equipment. Kittery Lions also collects glasses, hearing aids and old cell phones for recycling/re-use & helps purchase new pairs of glasses for those in need.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Lebanon

2020 Award Winner: Nancy Wyman

Winner Accomplishments: The late Nancy Wyman belonged to the Lebanon Historical Society, Community Circle, Dorcas Society, Southern Maine Garden Club and Book Group. She also volunteered in the Frisbie Hospital Day Surgery Department and was a member of the Auxiliary. Nancy was an inspiration to all she knew, she had boundless energy and was a great organizer.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: York Town: Lebanon

2020 Award Winner: Ronal Patch

Winner Accomplishments: The late Ronal (Ron) Patch was born in Lebanon, was a lifelong resident of Lebanon and was very active in his community.

He served as a selectman for 31 years and was devoted to serving the folks in

town, especially the elderly. Ron loved delivering food baskets, donated by

the different town organizations. He helped design and managed the transfer

station, being named Manager of the Year by the State of Maine. One

of his greatest joys was entertaining family and loved ones with his beloved

wife at their farm. Ron always had a smile, and he told the best stories. He would donate his selectman’s pay

to several Lebanon non-profit organizations.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: York Town: Limerick

2020 Award Winner: Cindy Smith

Winner Accomplishments: As the town’s Library Director, Cindy Smith has provided programs and services for youth, seniors and citizens of Limerick and surrounding communities. Pre-school story times, adult book discussions and card games, craft programs, summer reading, author and artist presentations, writer’s groups, and poetry workshops are just a sample of programs Cindy has offered to Limerick residents. Limerick recognizes how fortunate we are to have someone who goes overboard to serve the community.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: No

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County: York Town: Limington

2020 Award Winner: Bruce Rozett

Winner Accomplishments: Whereas, from 2004 – 2011 Bruce Rozett was appointed to the Limington Financial Advisory Committee and became it’s chair in 2010, offering much discussion and foresight into the financial operations of the Town of Limington.

Whereas, Bruce was instrumental in establishing a Town Capital Improvement Plan, allowing the many small Reserve accounts to be closed.

Whereas, from 2004 – 2011, Bruce was appointed to the Board of Appeals and did an outstanding job in helping bring that board up to professional standards. He was instrumental in drafting their by-laws and holding the whole board accountable to base decisions on the Zoning Ordinance.

Whereas, Bruce was elected as Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of the Poor in March of 2011 for a 3-year term and re-elected in March of 2014 for another 3-year term. He took a year off and then was re-elected in March of 2018 until present.

Whereas, as Selectman he was instrumental in creating Town policies for Personnal, Personnel Files, Capital Planning and Purchasing. He also helped improve the way the Town budget was done, going from 40+ warrant articles to 25. He also was the General Assistance Administrator several times during his Selectman tenure.

Be it Resolved by the Selectmen of the Town of Limington that Bruce R. Rozett is hereby recognized for his outstanding achievements and honors that he has brought upon this community with the 2020 Limington Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Lyman

2020 Award Winner: Rodney Hammond

Winner Accomplishments: Rodney Hammond has served the Town of Lyman so generously with his time and energy.

A small glimpse of Rodney’s involvement in Lyman includes serving as Assessor (1981-1987), Budget Committee (2006-2012), Building Committee, Charter Commission, Comprehensive Plan, Forestry Committee, Planning Board (1987-2007), Board of Selectmen (1973-1979) and Zoning Board of Appeals. In addition, Hammond is a long-standing member of the Board of Assessment Review for over 30 years.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: Yes

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County: York Town: Newfield

2020 Award Winner: Joseph Iannazzo

Winner Accomplishments: Joseph Iannazzo has demonstrated exemplary community involvement and volunteer work. Joe is the President of the Newfield Historical Society and the Newfield Library Board; has been very active in Scouting, Lions Club, Willowbrook Museum, and was instrumental in the resurrection of Newfield’s Recreation Committee. Joe is one of the first people to step up when someone in the community needs help. His favorite saying is “What do you need and how can I help?” He epitomizes what it means to be a team player.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Newfield

2020 Award Winner: Richard King

Winner Accomplishments: Richard King has been a member of the Town’s Finance committee since 1981; the past 38 years! He served the Town of Newfield as a School Board Director from 1995-2007, and as a Trustee for the Ethan Stone Scholarship Fund from 1992-2020. Dick has been volunteering at the Newfield Fire Department since 1981; serving as Chief from 1990-1992 and on the Newfield Rescue Squad as a driver for over 10 years.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Old Orchard Beach

2020 Award Winner: Demi Kulacz

Winner Accomplishments: Demi Kulacz is known as a most compassionate, warm, and caring person. She is a self-starter, with her greatest motivation being to learn something new every day and to make a positive difference in another person’s life. These are values she regularly demonstrates. Demi is well known throughout Old Orchard Beach and beyond for her volunteer efforts and for continually reaching out to help people in need. Some of those she encounters have been a bit down on their luck and discouraged with life. Instead of using her abilities to “make things better’, Kulacz realizes that if given the chance, these individuals will become self-reliant, which she believes to be much more valuable and will serve them throughout their lives. Her compassion, support and encouragement enables them to develop the tools necessary to do things for themselves they never dreamed possible. Empowering others is just one of the many rare qualities Demi possesses.

She learned from her Grandmother YiaYia, Uncle Spero and her Dad Henry to be strong, proud, sensitive, dignified, to have integrity in all actions, to be true to her self-worth, value others, and that being successful means giving back to those in need. At age 3 1/2, Demi contracted polio which required rigorous physical therapy for several years, enough so that her family’s many friends and neighbors volunteered to help, something she remembers to this day. Others may have been defeated, but not Demi. Polio, as well as other obstacles she experienced in her life, made her the strong, courageous, giving woman she is today.

Demi serves on a multitude of groups to improve what may benefit from improvement and to preserve what is best about Old Orchard Beach. Such groups include MITS (Museum in the Streets Committee), volunteering for the Ironman Triathlon, New England Parkinson’s Ride, and the annual Lobster Dip. Kulacz is a past OOB Ballpark Commissioner and has volunteered at the Ballpark for various events; serving as a member of the OOB Community Friendly Connection, where she has been instrumental in fundraising activities and offers productive, creative suggestions to the group to meet its objectives.

Demi is on the Community Watch Council Board, an organization that works closely with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department and regularly volunteers with VIPS (Volunteer in Police Services) as part of traffic control and public safety efforts throughout town.

Demi’s work and accomplishments are many, but she is best known and respected as a loyal and good friend. We are proud to recommend her for the Spirit of America Award.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Old Orchard Beach

2020 Award Winner: Holly Korda

Winner Accomplishments: Holly Korda is an approachable professional whose personal commitment has helped Old Orchard Beach and specifically the OOB Community Friendly Connection (OOB CFC) achieve many of its initiatives. Her keen insight and unique perspective has been instrumental to the CFC’s initiatives in reaching out to our community, touching individuals on a daily basis in ways that are meaningful and effective. Since joining the OOB CFC as it’s Development Team Leader one year ago, she has tirelessly used her expertise to sharpen its focus in ways that has made the group more proficient.

Experienced in the health and social sectors, Holly is a professional in developing, directing, managing and evaluating multi-sectoral innovation initiatives and program portfolios to improve access and outcomes in the health sector. As a consultant she has assisted clients in the public, private, academic and philanthropic sectors. She is highly experienced in organizational infrastructure development, delivery innovations for special populations, management capacity development, and program assessment.

Her focus has been on public and community healthcare delivery networks, evidence-based community-based programs, health promotion and prevention, place-based innovations, and program development and evaluations. She has served in the following positions:

Senior Vice President/Group Manager/Health Systems Group for

ROW Science, Inc. of Rockville Maryland

Practice Director for Community & Services Consultation in Cambridge,

Massachusetts,

Project Director/Senior Health Analyst for Abt Associates Inc. in

Cambridge Massachusetts

Director of Policy Research & Analysis/Assistant Director, Hospitals and

Ambulatory Care for Massachusett’s Department of Public Welfare.

Associate Dean for Community Programs for the University of New England and Associate Professor of Public Health from 2006 to 2008 in Portland, Maine.

Principal/Managing Director for the Health Systems Research Associates – Chevy Chase, Maryland and Portland Maine from 1999 to 2009. She has served as Principal Consultant for Health Systems Research Associations since 2013; previously served as Deputy Director, Systems Research and Initiatives; Director, Center for Policy and Research Translation, and Research Director for Innovative Care Delivery in Portland, Maine and Ann Arbor, Michigan for the Altarum Institute from 2009 to 20012.

To have the presence of a highly educated and professional individual in our community who was willing to collaborate with us in the development of Age Friendly initiatives is the greatest attribute one could hope for. She has been instrumental in providing input and direction to the OOB CFC in developing policy and in promotion of Age Friendly initiatives throughout Old Orchard Beach. Holly’s dedication to helping mankind is simply remarkable.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Old Orchard Beach

2020 Award Winner: Stephanie Moutsatsos

Winner Accomplishments: Born at the Webber Hospital, Stephanie was brought to the family home on Carlton Avenue where she grew up surrounded by family who encouraged her in all her endeavors. She lives now on Central Avenue in Old Orchard, just down the street from her grandfather’s former grocery store.

Stephanie attended the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts, and during this time she returned to Old Orchard Beach each summer and secured her first job at the Powderhorn Campground Store on the Cascade Road, working there for twenty-five summers.

As Educational Technician at the Old Orchard Beach High School, she provides service in multiple facets including being the Interact Advisor (the High School arm of the Rotary Club), Yearbook Advisor, Prom Advisor, Senior Internship Co-Chair, and assisting the students with community service outreach. Additional responsibilities are working with the Jameson School Staff Members to coordinate the High School Mentoring Program and serving as the Social Events Coordinator for RSU23.

For the past twelve years, Stephanie has worked for the Old Orchard Beach Recreation Department. She has held positions with the Gull Care program; has been a Summer Camp Director, and currently is the Special Events Coordinator. This position requires that she handle the Concerts in the Park Program, The Beach Wheelchair Program, and assist as a Volunteer with the IronMan Team when they come to town in August. Stephanie has volunteered her time with the Friends of the Ballpark, the Southern Maine Democrats, and the Community Friendly Connection. She is constantly in attendance for the Interact programs.

The remarkable thing about Stephanie is that the above list is only a small fraction of the involvement she has in other volunteer programs. Her town pride is shown when her family offered to the Town of Old Orchard Beach the 2015 holiday Christmas Tree that had been planted years ago for her grandfather. Everything that Stephanie does revolves around her love of our community.

Stephanie lives the truth that we are only as strong as is our compassion for those who are weak. For in strength must come the power of understanding and the wisdom to act with gentleness and kind concern for those who are not able to help themselves. She lives the truth that it is in the ability to empathize that one shows true insight and in the ability to aid that we show our real gifts. She is the hallmark of true compassion and strength.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Saco

2020 Award Winner: Alejandra Herrera

Winner Accomplishments: Alejandra Herrera is a story of success and love for her adopted community, Saco, Maine. Alejandra traveled from her birth home of Chile to northern Maine, fell in love with our state, moved to Saco, met and married Carlos, and together they opened a new restaurant (Quiero Cafe) that serves “street food” from Columbia and Chile along with fresh fruits juices and smoothies. She and her husband subsequently have opened their second Saco restaurant, which has a higher-end menu, including recipes from their home countries – they’ve invested in their adopted city, and they love the people and support they have received.

Alejandra is part of the spark that makes Saco an exciting place to live, work and play. She is always ready with a smile and to lend a hand. She and her husband have donated generously to Saco Main Street fundraisers, civic events and to feed the older community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Alejandra Herrera is a shining example of what the Spirit of America award is all about.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: York Town: Saco

2020 Award Winner: Nick Scontras

Winner Accomplishments: Throughout his life Nick Scontras has led by example. His disabilities have not dampened his enthusiasm and dedication to his country, state and beloved city. Included are a handful of Nicholas P. Scontras ll examples of leadership:

While still in elementary school Nick began serving his St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church community by serving as an Altar Boy during Liturgies and other services. Well into adulthood, Nick continued his service to his Church community in that fashion. He volunteered during the highly popular St. Demetrios Greek Festival by volunteering for any task that contributed to the festival’s success.

Beginning in 1985, Nicky participated in Maine’s Special Olympics Winter and Summer games. Because of his infectious enthusiasm for Special Olympics he is always eager to update anyone on his accomplishments at Special Olympics athletic events and encourage support of Special Olympics in general and Saco’s Special Olympics teams in particular. During the past 35 years Nick Scontras has proudly sold raffle tickets, volunteered for numerous Special Olympics fundraisers statewide and in his area. He is generally thought of as the “face” of Special Olympics locally.

In 1987 while in eighth grade Nick volunteered to be the manager of Saco Middle School’s football team. As a Freshman he volunteered as Thornton Academy’s varsity football team manager. Immediately, Nicky’s affable personality and sense of humor won the admiration of the players and especially the coaches. That year TA won the Class A Football State Championship, the first of five state titles with Nicky as manager.

In the Spring of 2014 Nicky underwent surgery for a cancerous tumor and intense chemotherapy. During the following football season, Nick’s perseverance in how he handled his adversity inspired his coaches and players to win the State Championship after encountering their own adversity. Behind at halftime during the championship game, some players searched for answers and found them while watching Nick perform his halftime locker room duties despite his battle with cancer. Inspired they fought back and won 35-14. Afterwards, players invited Nick to ring the victory bell while cheering his every tug of the rope.

In 2017 after being asked by the head coach, Nick managed the West team in the Annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl All Star Game.

In 1989, Nicky became a member of Thornton Academy’s winter indoor track team. He never finished better than last in each of his races but his intensity in finishing every race while performing to the best of his God given ability won the hearts of athletes and coaches to the extent that, for the first time in the history of the SMMA (Southern Maine Athletic Association), a freshman who never won a race but leaned forward as he crossed the finish line, won the prestigious Jim Daly Trophy as the most “Most Outstanding Performer of all Regular Season Meets”. When his name was announced as the recipient, the capacity-filled Portland Expo burst into thunderous applause and cheering. Back at TA, Nick Scontras donated his trophy to Thornton Academy so that others may view it and be inspired to try their best whatever their adversity.

In 1994, Saco’s Hannafords Supermarket hired Nicky as a “customer associate”, bagging groceries. Because of Nick’s positive attitude, and sense of humor, many customers submitted “comment cards” praising him for his accomplishments. Nicky was selected as “Associate of the Month” three times and earned three free cruises.

Presently, Nicky is saddened as not only have the Special Olympics Games been canceled but the local Memorial Day parade which Nick attends faithfully. As he does at TA football games, Nicky always stands straight with his hand over his heart each time our American flag passes by and when the National Anthem is sung.

Distinction: ‘Silver’ Dedication: No

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County: York Town: South Berwick

2020 Award Winner: Brendan “Dan” Boyle

Winner Accomplishments: Some of the many reasons for which Brendan “Dan” Boyle is being recognized are:

SoBo Central – Board of Directors

Recreation Committee since May 2018

Historic District Commission since February 2004 and Chair since 2007

Powderhouse – President of the Board, Crew Chief and Leader

Heads up clean up in the fall and spring, fixes and maintains the lift engine, arranges the annual the lift inspection, orders supplies

Punkinman weekend

Mans the Aid Station

Strawberry Festival & Strawberry Run

Mans the registration table for the run

Runs the sweeper vehicle for the race (5 miles at a painful 3 mph)

Hosts the Strawberry Festival Sand Art Booth

Youth Penny Sale

Brendan “Dan” Boyle is a very active member of the South Berwick community who also is a Notary Public and enjoys performing wedding ceremonies. To paraphrase him, “It’s an honor to marry people”.

Distinction: ‘Gold’ Dedication: Yes

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County: York Town: Waterboro

2020 Award Winner: Massabesic Lions Club

Winner Accomplishments: Massabesic Lions Club collects food and other supplies & then gets these items to a local food bank, which the club was instrumental in starting. In addition to other projects, Massabesic Lions also collects medical equipment (such as crutches, wheelchairs, walkers etc.) not only from their local community but also from Lions clubs throughout the state – net result is that Maine people in need won’t have to purchase such equipment.

Distinction: ” Dedication: Maybe

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County: York Town: Wells

2020 Award Winner: Father William Kelly Knights of Columbus Council #9782

Winner Accomplishments: Father William Kelly Knights of Columbus Council #9782 in March, 2020 raised $10,000 from a St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance & collecting at churches to assist a baby needing a liver transplant. Over the years the group has organized a number of other dinners and social events to raise money for food pantries, educational, mental health & other causes (including Maine Veterans Home, Wounded Warrior Project, Wreaths Across America, and Travis Mills Foundation). Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Council #9782 has been delivering meals and gifts to people in need & also checking that the elderly are doing OK. The Council has a history of working with young people & helping old folks.

Distinction: ” Dedication: No

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