From fighting fires to feeding the hungry, volunteers dedicate their time and energy without expecting thanks. However, a large group of Lincoln County residents got just that during a special ceremony in Wiscasset November 20. 

“You all know, having worked in Maine, how important volunteerism is,” Lincoln County Administrator John O'Connell said, just before introducing recipients of the Spirit of America award. “Even though there are people who are paid to be public servants, much of what we call public service wouldn't happen without all the effort of all those volunteers in so many towns.”

The Spirit of America Foundation is a nonprofit established in 1991 to promote volunteerism. According to a pamphlet, the first award was given to resident Alma Jones by Augusta Mayor William Burney. Since that time, more than 250 ceremonies have taken place in towns throughout the state of Maine.

State and local officials took turns praising the efforts of individuals and those involved in over 11 organizations throughout Lincoln County. Sen. Chris Johnson (District 20) and Rep. Timothy Marks (House District 53) attended the ceremony to thank volunteers. Throughout the ceremony, Johnson read aloud official declarations of support for award recipients from the 125th Legislature and the State of Maine, presenting each recipient with a copy.

Recipients of the award from the Spirit of America Foundation included: volunteers at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library who provide activities for adults and children; Ramona Gaudette of Southport; Ruth Nelson of Westport Island; volunteers of the Two Bridges Regional Jail Programs Department that provides structured correctional activities and employable skills for inmates; volunteers of the New Harbor Food Pantry who make extra efforts to feed the hungry; members of the Union Congregational Church of South Bristol who have volunteered in the church thrift shop and fundraising activities for the community; Karen and Matthew Filler of Damariscotta, who volunteer for many organizations throughout Damariscotta; Mary Ellen Crowley, Director of Lincoln County Television and station volunteers there whose efforts encourage citizen involvement in local government; members of the Alna Volunteer Fire Department whose efforts reach beyond fighting fires to helping the community in numerous ways; Peter Walsh of Dresden, who is actively involved in town festivals; and Libby Harmon and Marie Sacks of Whitefield, who have dedicated years of service to the Whitefield Historical Society.

Ramona Gaudette of Southport has served the community as the Southport Middle School cook for more than 50 years. She was not present to receive the award, but received praise from those in attendance at the ceremony.

Ruth Nelson heads up the Planning Board on Westport Island in addition to volunteering for other activities around town. George Richardson, Chairman of the Westport Island Board of Selectmen, read the town's official resolution recognizing Nelson for her many efforts, which included involvement in the Westport Community Association, Wright Landing Committee, History Committee and a number of other causes. “Thank you so much,” Richardson said, presenting Nelson with the award, an embrace and a bouquet of flowers. 

Board of Directors member Kathy Martin Savage thanked volunteers at Two Bridges Regional Jail and said, “The programs that we have at the jail would not be possible without the volunteers to help some of the paid staff.”

Commissioner Lynn Martin praised Edgecomb Fire Chief Roy Potter and volunteer firefighters. She said Potter and his department worked very hard and spent countless hours to spread the message about safety and what fire departments mean to communities. “Everyone needs to take their hats off to them,” Martin said. “They do an amazing job.”

Similar remarks were shared about volunteers who dedicate several hours each week to the New Harbor Food Pantry, the Union Congregational Church in South Bristol, Lincoln County Television and the Whitefield Historical Society.

Asked if they would like to provide additional comments, neither Rep. Marks nor Sen. Johnson wanted to take the spotlight off the award recipients, but thanked everyone for their contributions to Lincoln County communities. Johnson said, “this is really about the volunteers.”