LINCOLNVILLE — The nonprofit Spirit of America Foundation was established in Augusta in 1990 to honor volunteerism, with the first award, from Augusta Mayor William Burney, given to Alma Jones on Nov. 26, 1991. Since then, the tribute has been presented at more than 400 ceremonies statewide, including in Lincolnville on Oct. 24.

Waldo County Commissioner Betty Johnson was at the Lincolnville Board of Selectmen's meeting Monday night, when Spirit of America awards were presented to the town and to members of the Veteran's Park Committee.

Previously, Spirit of America awards were given to volunteers who helped make the Lincolnville Library a possibility.

Johnson said that for several years Waldo County has been holding an annual reception for volunteers who are presented with a Certificate of Recognition.

"Selectmen usually name the people they want to recognize in the spring," said Johnson. "On the 15th of this month, at Searsport Lions Club, we had a reception where they all came and received the certificate then. I was asked to attend the meeting last night and present the certificates again, in person."

On Monday night, Johnson presented Keryn Laite Jr., vice chair of the Lincolnville Board of Selectmen and representative of the town, with the Spirit of America Foundation 2016 Silver Distinction Certificate of Recognition "for admirable efforts in aiding volunteerism."

Members of the Veteran's Park Committee also recognized Monday night for their efforts in the creation and construction of the park to honor all of the veterans from Lincolnville who have served the country, included Lesley Devoe, Rosey Gerry and Cecil Dennison.

The following towns in Waldo County recognized these 2015 Spirit of America Foundation Award recipients:
Belfast - William Anderson for many years has organized Belfast Summer Nights; he's entertained many.
Belmont - Kasey Drake designed and created the beautiful veterans' memorial in a very short span of time.
Brooks - Brooks Historical Society is restoring Pilley House, hosts annual tour, preserves town's history.
Burnham - Robert King, the acting chief, has been serving Burnham Fire Department for over thirty years.
Frankfort - Waldo Pierce Reading Room, a private and free library, has served its community for decades.
Freedom - Tony Grassi restored the Freedom grist mill in spectacular fashion after doing extensive research.
Jackson - Brenda Dennison has served years on the Planning Board, Food Pantry Board and as town clerk.
Knox - Clayton Larrabee has solicited donations for and chaired project to install drainage at softball field.
Liberty - Warren 'Bud' Steeves served the town as Selectman, clerk, volunteer firefighter and scout leader.
Lincolnville - Jim and Cindy Dunham headed the creation of Lincoln Community Library and Open Air Museum.
Monroe - Food For All provides free lunch each Thurs. to the poor, the elderly, those needing socialization.
Montville - Ginny Walker was a long-time member of the Planning Committee and the Cemetery Committee.
Morrill - Crossroads Food Pantry provides perishable & non-perishable food items to local people in need.
Northport - Henry Lang has served many years as Director of First Responders and on the volunteer fire dept.
Palermo - Mary Haskell organized a drive raising $15,000+ to fight cancer and has run many benefit suppers.
Searsmont - Jim and Jenness Robbins gave lumber for the community building and the historical society barn.
Searsport - Don Garrold has been very active in Mosman Memorial Park Assoc. and maps cemeteries for town. Faith Garrold has chaired budget advisory committee, helps beautification group, Mosman Park.
Stockton Springs - Gay Dion, Peter Hardester and Barbara Money started Keep The Heat On Fund to help needy local residents stay warm in the winter.
Thorndike - James Bennett served 13 years as a Thorndike Selectman and was very helpful to people in need.
Troy - Daniel Nealley has been serving Troy Fire Department in a variety of ways for the past 28 years.
Unity - Mary Leaming chaired the 2015 Celebrate Unity Festival and has helped other causes and groups.
Waldo - Katharine Littlefield has served as president of a county group & legislative advocate for county.
Winterport - Neighbors Cupboard Inc. over a span of many years has provided food to local people in need.

Also Monday night, Laite presented a card of thanks from the Board of Selectmen to Cathy Hardy, who was attending her final meeting as a selectman before moving to St. Croix.

The Board thanked her for her service to the town, and wished her safe travels and good luck on her next adventure.

Three people are running for Hardy’s seat on the Board of Selectmen, which expires in June 2017, including Josh Gerrisen, Rosey Gerry and Gina Sawyer. Elections take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8.