Fifteen Lincoln County groups or individuals were recognized Tuesday for their dedicated service to the community. The recipients received Spirit of America Awards during a ceremony held at the Communication Center in Wiscasset.

The Maine Spirit of America Foundation has presented over 400 certificates statewide since 1991. The foundation is a 501(c) (3) public charity which encourages community volunteerism.

Estelle Appel was nominated by the Boothbay selectmen. She has been a community volunteer since age 19. Appel has served on the Boothbay Civic Association, Lincoln Arts and formerly on the town’s planning board.

She received the certificate from District One Commissioner Hamilton Meserve.

“Estelle runs Boothbay. That’s all you need to know,” he said.

Meserve also presented the Edgecomb Historical Society with its certificate. The Edgecomb selectmen nominated the historical society for its dedicated service preserving the town’s history.

“It was an easy choice for the selectmen to choose the historical society for its invaluable work to the community,” said Selectman Jack Sarmanian. “They’ve had tremendous involvement within (the) community by producing data and information about our great town.”

Southport’s recipient was Phyllis Cook. She was unable to attend the ceremony. Meserve, a Southport resident, volunteered to deliver the certificate to her. She was nominated the Southport Board of Selectmen.

“I’d be delighted to take it to her,” he said. “She has been on virtually every board in town. And in 1961, as a realtor, she sold us our home.”

Meserve also presented certificates to two other organizations in District One: Westport Island Community Association and Wiscasset Memorial Cannon Refurbishing Project. Both organizations were nominated by their municipal boards of selectmen.

The Westport Island Community Association formed in 1955. It raises funds for implementing activities for community spirit, community identity and making tangible community improvements. The association has purchased and maintained several community landmarks. The association maintains the sign and flag park which welcomes entering visitors.

The association also manages the Westport Community Church, a small Greek revival structure constructed in the 1830s.  According to Westport Island First Selectman George Richardson, the association serves the community by providing quality entertainment and programming for island residents and guests.

The association bestows educational stipends to qualifying Westport Island students. The association also showcases “the talent, history, and multifaceted arts and crafts fairs in a yearly summer program.

The Memorial Cannon Refurbishing Project was described by County Administrator John O’Connell as a “praiseworthy team effort of Wiscasset High School hi-tech students.”

Wiscasset teacher Rob Cronk explained the five-member student team upgraded a refurbishing project began 20 years earlier.

Two decades ago, town officials recognized the canon as being on the wrong carriage.

“So the town replaced the carriage. But fast forward about 20 years, we recognized it needed another refurbishing and upgrading,” Cronk said.

The cannon was transported to the school, and students Chase Reed, Robert Blagden, Ben Chapwick, Nate Haley and Dan Delong performed the maintenance work.

The commissioners also recognized the achievements of 10 other Lincoln County Spirit of America recipients: Bremen Fire Department and first responders, Caring for Kids, Waldoboro Food Pantry, Alna Snowmobile Club, Charlie Ault, Robert Clifford, Todd Maurer, Tonia Clark, Carol Kimball, David Bailey, Somerville Volunteers, and Saint Denis/Whitefield Food Pantry volunteers.