They've got the volunteer spirit

ALFRED, Maine – Volunteers are the backbone of a community. Sometimes, they’re individuals, sometimes, they’re part of a committee – all doing their bit to make their town or city better.

And while the reward for volunteers may be in the doing - helping provide an evening meal, winter fuel, figuring out how to champion youth, or hosting live music on a hot summer night – appreciating their efforts through a recognition ceremony is vital, supporters say.

Annually, through nominations of groups or individuals by their municipalities, volunteer efforts are recognized and celebrated by York County Commissioners, who bestow Spirit of America Foundation Awards. The 2025 tribute winners were celebrated in ceremonies Nov. 19.

“We appreciate all the volunteers,” said Commissioner Robert Andrews.

“You are truly the unsung heroes of York County,” said Commissioner Justin Chenette.

York County Manager Greg Zinser put it this way:

“You are the core group of people who always show up,” Zinser said. “It is important you are recognized.”

In all, 21 Spirit of America Awards were presented to residents representing organizations and individuals in 16 of York County’s 29 municipalities:

• Apex Youth Connection of Biddeford, for encouraging youth to set and reach goals and for their work to build up young people, making them stronger, more confident and more competent.

• The late Robert “Bob” Sherman of Kennebunkport for his work as Chair of the Goose Rocks Beach Advisory Committee, where he negotiated and mediated the Beach Use Agreement.

• Saco Meals Program President Carmen Gawronski and others involved with the program that serves supper at Most Holy Trinity Church Parish Hall twice a week. More than 11,640 meals were provided to community members in 2024. And not only is there a meal, but diners may select produce and other groceries as well.

• In South Berwick, SoBo Central members are involved in many events – from Keep South Berwick Warm to the Summer Nights concert series, and more. SoBo Central  serves as an umbrella organization for 10 other entities that provide a variety of services, from running the ski hill to planting flowers downtown in the spring.

• The 21 club of Parsonsfield spearheaded the drive for a local health center years ago – and so much more, like creating a swim program, funding scholarships for local kids,  organizing a Lilac Festival and so on.

• Angela Michie of Buxton organizes the annual Buxton parade, “a huge undertaking,” town officials said. Michie is also marking a decade as Deputy Town Clerk and Motor Vehicle Registrar.

• Kevin Flimmer was recognized for his work involving electrical security and audio/visual plans for the new Hollis Town Office, and designed the information technology plan. Among other volunteer tasks, he met with the town’s IT Coordinator and recommended internet upgrades, and much more.

• Hollis also recognized its Town Manager Hiring Committee, for creating a job description, a timeline to accomplish the goal, determining salary and benefits, developing interview questions, determining the most qualified applicants, and so on. More than 50 applications were received, and was whittled down to six, then three. The committee presented their recommendation to the select board following the seven month process – and a manager was hired.

• The Hollis Select Board also nominated one of their own – John “Jack” Rogala, a select board member for seven years, for his dedication to improving the community. “Never one to say ‘no,’ if a member of the community or staff called him with an issue, he quickly responds and investigates options for a solution,” the select board wrote.

• Louis Rivers of Dayton was recognized for his efforts to overhaul the municipality’s computer system, phone and alarm systems,  and instructing staff on several computer programs.

• Victor and Roxy Wright of Waterboro were recognized for their dedication to volunteerism with Waterborough Historical Society and creation of the Festival of Trees, which brings joy to residents and is a major fundraiser for the historical society.

• Jim and Judy Carll of Waterboro were recognized “for their exceptional dedication to volunteerism and service within the community,” Select Board members said in nominating the couple, noting their work on the Planning Board, Waterboro Historical Society and various other community initiatives.

• Don and Diane Holden were nominated by the town of Waterboro for their many years of dedication to the Waterborough Historical Society and Don’s years as the municipality’s longtime dam operator. Select Board members noted his work was instrumental in maintaining that critical resource.

• The late Roland “Sonny” LePage Jr. was nominated by the town of Limerick. He joined the Limerick Fire Department as a junior firefighter and worked his way through the ranks serving as chief from 1994 to 2010. He served on the town’s zoning board of appeals for 14 years and as a selectmen from 2014 to 2020. As well as his civic contributions, he owned and operated LePage’s Auto.

• In 2008, Arlene Carroll of Alfred began collecting cans and bottles to raise money to help those in need keep warm in winter. ‘Fueling February’ continues today and since its inception has raised $140,000  - one nickel at a time. She started Merit Badge College to help Boy Scouts earn badges to towards being Eagle Scouts, and was instrumental in creating a Day of Caring to help those in need, Alfred selectmen said.

• Nominated by the town, the Shapleigh Community Day Committee is marking 25 years as the host of the two day event, designed to bring the community together. As well, through fundraising, Shapleigh residents are assisted in furthering their education  through the Community Day Scholarship Fund.

• Berwick farmer Peter Cook and his wife Nancy have restored the 18^th century Tare Shirt Farm, featuring heirloom orchards, heritage livestock and participating in Open Farm Day. Peter organizes the Heritage Breeds Baby Animals program featured annually at Strawbery Banke museum in Portsmouth, NH, and has been an educator at various museums, a school principal and university professor, among other endeavors.

• Retired teacher Nancy Perkins of Cornish served as chair of the Maine Board of Education for two years of her five year term, has served on an array of municipal committees, including the Select Board. She champions emergency preparedness for seniors, runs the local barn dance and is tireless in her dedication to the food pantry, assuring it is funded and well stocked for those most in need, selectmen said in their nomination.

• The town of North Berwick nominated the late Jerry Schulmaier who was active in his community as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post #87.

• The late Eleanor Phinney was recognized for her dedication to her family members for whom she served as caregiver, “always putting others needs above her own,” according to the town of North Berwick who nominated her for a posthumous award.

• Lisa and Paul Bourret have been involved in the Daylily Society, the town of Newfield noted in their nomination of the couple “and have done much more to help their community over a span of many years.”