ALFRED, Maine – The Cornish Historical Society created Eagle Mill Park, has researched a forgotten cemetery behind Pike Memorial Hall, documented past holders of the Boston Post Cane, held numerous history-related events and more. The 15 members assist the public with property histories and genealogical queries. Members have served on town committees and, most recently, have focused on discovering, documenting, reclaiming, and repairing early outlying burial grounds and some larger public cemeteries.
For all that – and more, the Cornish Historical Society was recognized by its community and by the County of York with a Spirit of America Foundation tribute bestowed by York County Commissioners in mid-November.
“Our group is very honored; it’s great to be recognized; we try to be useful to our community,” said Cornish Historical Society President Sandy Howe.
In all, York County Commissioners bestowed 18 Spirit of America Foundation tributes, recognizing groups and individuals for their volunteerism, as nominated by their municipalities.
York County Manager Greg Zinser noted the county conducts a ceremony annually to honor volunteerism.
“We’re really pleased to be doing something like this. It is an opportunity for us to learn what you are up to in your communities – and what you do in your communities makes it a better place,” said Zinser. “For that, we thank you.”
In Berwick, Andy Buckman of American Legion Post 79, and a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, was named a Spirit of America Foundation tribute winner for his contributions to the community and to the Legion – from the auto show that drew 200 vehicles this year to a 5k race, golf tourney, and much more, raising more than $50,000 to aid community members. Municipal leaders said Buckman “is always willing to lend a hand or dedicate his time to support anything that benefits the people of Berwick, or any veteran.” Buckman was named his community’s Citizen of the Year in 2021 and Maine Legionnaire of the Year for 2024.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5744 of South Berwick received a Spirit of America Foundation Tribute. “These folks give their time to support, educate and fundraise for many causes in the community – the scouts, youth sports and veterans to name a few,” Town of South Berwick leaders said of the members. “This organization’s motto, by D. Fogarty is ‘we may not have it together, but together, we have it all.’”
The Acton-Shapleigh Lions Club, established 20 years ago, hosts turkey dinners, pancake breakfasts, participates in the Acton Fair and Renaissance Faire, and was recognized for “outstanding community service through fundraising, support of the needy, and community events,” according to Shapleigh municipal leaders, who nominated the group.
Newfield recycling coordinators Dawn and Brian Rouillard were recognized for their community service and volunteer work – town leaders noted the couple’s recognition that the municipal “swap shop” where folks may donate gently used goods that others can use, is essential to the community.
Newfield recognized Planning Board member Benjamin Buzzell for his dedication to the volunteer position over 12 years, and the research it requires.
Newfield also recognized Tina Crowley-Colwell for her 14 years as a director of the RSU 57 School Board and the countless hours that service entailed.
The Heart of Biddeford downtown organization was named a Spirit of America Foundation tribute winner. The nonprofit is staffed by Director Delilah Poupore, an assistant, a part-time office manager and an AmeriCorps fellow. “The team at HOB inspired Biddeford to dream about what it could become as a city and turned dream into reality,” city leaders said.
The Town of Kennebunkport noted the Spirit of America tributes celebrate the spirit of giving back through volunteerism and nominated Russell Grady for the award – noting Grady’s involvement with the fire department, coaching Little league, serving on the Planning Board, and with the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.
The Hollis Conservation Commission has been working to address community concerns about climate change, protection of land for future generations, and rare plant and animal species and is working with Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission to enroll in the community Resilience Project and to develop an electronic GIS map system, municipal officials said. As well, members volunteer to maintain existing trails, sponsor a clean-up day, and is involved with an array of events, from developing naturalist packs for young people to take with them while walking the trails to hosting guided walks and surveying rare plants, and so are Spirit of America Foundation tribute winners.
Hollis also nominated Charles “Chip” Currier for a Spirit of America Foundation tribute. A Parks and Recreation Department volunteer, Currier assists with t-ball and soccer, special events and Hollis Community Day. He is a part time counselor for the Before and After Care Program for school children. Town leaders said his goal in his involvement with parks and rec is to create fun and meaningful activities for young people to help them become better friends, teammates and be accepting of everyone.
Accepting a Spirit of America Foundation tribute for Aging in Buxton was its director, Ellen DeCotiis. An Age Friendly Community for about a year, Aging in Buxton is host to a produce and food box program in town, helps provide rides to older citizens for medical and other appointments, started a library book delivery program and established a snow shoveling and yard work program.
Old Orchard Beach Call Force and Fire Police, primarily a group of retirees, “provide crucial support to career firefighters, responding to emergencies with skill, bravery and selflessness,” according to the town leaders, which earned them a tribute. “Their tireless commitment, often performed under challenging conditions, demonstrates their commitment to keeping the community safe,” municipal officials said.
Cane maker Ernest Merritt III of Saco was awarded a Spirit of America Foundation tribute. The maker of more than 100 canes, Merritt has given them to those in need and to the city as the Boston Post cane for presentation to the oldest Saco resident. Merritt also serves as facilitator for the Southern Maine Chronic Pain Support Group.
“It is because of these people that Waterboro has a museum and many artifacts of the town’s past,” Waterboro municipal leaders said of its Spirit of America Foundation nominee, the Waterborough Historical Society, noting on two occasions the group instituted an election warrant to save historic buildings from being torn down.
Limerick resident Neal Meltzer has twice worked to upgrade the town’s bandstand and has “selflessly spent 100s of hours” working to finish the project, to bring the community together. “His time, effort and dedication to make this project come to life has not gone unnoticed,” municipal leaders said.
Sanford Housing Authority Director Diane Small was awarded a Spirit of America Foundation tribute. Small has been a key partner with the city helping meet the needs for senior housing, workforce housing, and advocating for people from all walks of life to have safe, affordable and appropriate housing options, Sanford city leaders said in nominating Small. She has served on an array of committees, is in the process of developing a Housing First facility, and “consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her in any position she holds, dedicating extraordinary effort to ensuring that safe, secure and appropriate housing and shelter options can be provided for all people in our community,” city leaders said.
Lyman officials say folks have probably seen Priscilla Miles mowing, weed whacking, pruning and decorating the graves of veterans. She is a founding and lifetime member of the Lyman Historical Society, a member of the Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 1044, and has undertaken initiatives like organizing a Veterans Day event at the library in 2017, and organizing yard sales for fundraising efforts. She knits with the Biddeford 50 Plus Club Knitting for Charity group, peels vegetables and manages the dessert table at St. Philip’s Church suppers, and assists disabled riders at the Therapeutic Riding Center, among other endeavors.
PHOTOS ………………………………………………….
1 Cornish Historical Society, represented by President Sandy Howe, vice-president Diane Perkins, secretary-treasurer Cynthia Mason and Gary Mason accepted a 2024 Spirit of America Foundation tribute bestowed mid-November by York County Commissioners.
2 Andy Buckman of Berwick is among 18 individuals and groups receiving a 2024 Spirit of America Foundation tribute.
3 VFW Post 5744 were recipients of a 2024 Spirit of America Foundation tribute, bestowed in mid-November by York County Commissioners.
4 Acton Shapleigh Lions Club was awarded a 2024 Spirit of America Foundation tribute. The group was represented by members Richard Nason, Dot Brown, Eileen Mageary and Joan Dyer- (Susan Wiswell photo)
5 Tina Crowley-Colwell of Newfield accepted a 2024 Spirit of America Foundation tribute.
6 Russell Grady of Kennebunkport is the recipient of a 2024 Spirit of America Foundation tribute.
7 Select Board Chair Mary Hoffman and Charles “Chip” Currier, the latter who also received an award for his work with Hollis Parks and Recreation accept a Spirit of America Foundation tribute from York County Commissioner Justin Chenette.
8 Aging in Buxton Director Ellen DeCotiis accepts a Spirit of America Foundation tribute on behalf of the organization from York County Commissioner Justin Chenette.
9 Victor Wright of the Waterborough Historical Society accepted a Spirit of America Foundation tribute on behalf of the organization.
10 Priscilla Miles of Lyman accepted a Spirit of America Foundation tribute from York County Commissioners during ceremonies in November.
11 Old Orchard Beach Deputy Fire Chief Clif Whitten, on behalf of the Old Orchard Beach Fire Department Call Force and Fire Police, accepted a Spirit of America Foundation tribute from York County Commissioner Justin Chenette during ceremonies in mid-November.