BIDDEFORD — For demonstrating outstanding commitment to serving the community, 12 individuals have been singled out for recognition by the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club and were presented awards during a special ceremony at Run of the Mill on June 20.

Awards presented at the event included Rotarian of the Year, Private Sector, Humanitarian Service, Vocational Service, the 12^th Annual Goodwin Outstanding Service, Paul Harris Fellowships and Service Above Self honors.

Receiving Rotary awards were:

• Joe Moreshead of Precision Screw Machine Products, who was named Rotarian of the Year in sincere appreciation and recognition of distinguished service, loyalty and devotion to the ideals of Rotary.  Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club  President Jackson Brown said, “Joe was my go-to person from serving on the Board to stepping up as my successor to lead the club when the current President-Elect was unable.  He never said ‘no’ when I asked for his help.  Joe served as the Assistant Treasurer, Charitable Fund Chair, on the Prom and Beerfest Committee and so many other tasks to help this community.”

• Laurie Bruce was presented with the Private Sector award for creating a program eight years ago called “Locker of Love” to accept donations of school supplies, snacks, clothing and hygiene products for Biddeford students in need.  The Private Sector award is awarded to a citizen whose good works have been performed independently of their employment in the private sector. Recipients work for the public good, while being privately employed or not employed by a government or community entity.

• Rev. Shirley Bowen was presented with the Humanitarian award for being the driving force behind Seeds of Hope and a person who has clearly dedicated her life to helping those who need a hand.  The Humanitarian award is awarded to a citizen, private or public, who has done exceptional work to further the good of humanity in the community.

• Kristy Kendrick was presented with the Vocational Service award for her work in Thornton Academy’s Career Center maximizing the potential of students with disabilities to network within the community and garner career-ready skills to help each student achieve their transitional goals.  The Vocational Service award is awarded to a citizen, private or public, who has done exceptional work to promote vocational education and vocational programs.

• Jim Godbout, owner of Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, was presented with the 12^th Annual Goodwin Outstanding Service award.  This award was created to acknowledge the contributions of Carl and Earl Goodwin to the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club and to the Biddeford and Saco areas.  The Goodwins’ commitment to Rotary and to making the Biddeford/Saco area a better place to live has been an inspiration to a number of people and this award acknowledges the contributions of individuals in Rotary. Godbout was acknowledged for his years of continued community service and unparalleled community support in helping those in need. He was a driving force in the community effort to restore the iconic Waterhouse Field athletic complex.

• Paul Harris Fellowships, named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary more than 100 years ago, were presented to Brownyn Barnett of the Community Bicycle Center, Matthew Simmons of Edward Jones, and Sabine McElrath of The Maine Real Estate Network, for exemplifying the humanitarian and educational objectives of the Rotary Foundation.  They were presented with a pin, certificate and $1,000 was donated by the Club to the Rotary Foundation in their honor.

• Service Above Self Awards were presented to Susan Gajewski, Conrad Welzel and Fausto Pifferrer of Blue Elephants Catering and to Karen Chasse of the Biddeford Schools Department. This award is presented to Rotarians who have displayed exemplary humanitarian service to the ideals of Rotary with a focus on active involvement in putting others needs before their own. Gajewski, Welzel, Pifferrer and Chasse were recognized for being engaged, involved, and consistently providing support for Rotary events and club activities.

Rotary International is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs. Their main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace and throughout the world.

Rotarians develop community projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers and other professionals, and vocational and career development.

To learn more about Rotary, visit www.biddeford-sacorotary.org

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com

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