Annual Rotary Awards 2107 Press Release

 

 

BIDDEFORD, Maine – The Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club recognized eighteen outstanding community members for their commitment to serve the community.  The awards included: Rotarian of the Year, Private Sector, Public Sector, Humanitarian, Vocational Service, 11^th Annual Goodwin Outstanding Service, Paul Harris Fellowships, Presidential, Service Above Self, and special club recognition awards.

 

Karen Chasse, of Biddeford School Department, was named Rotarian of the Year in sincere appreciation and recognition of distinguished service, loyalty and devotion to the ideals of Rotary.  President Lucie Kay states, “Karen truly exemplifies what it means to be a Rotarian with her hard work, dedication and kindness.  She was my Rotary ‘go to’ always willing to help and working on every Rotary event and fundraiser.  She is instrumental to our Club, and I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done.”

 

The Esther Residence was presented with the Private Sector award for breaking the cycle of recidivism by providing a safe and structured place to live while women get back on their feet and work to become productive members of society.  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.

 

Bill Paterson was presented with the Public Sector award for sharing his extensive knowledge in an effort to lead the battole against the imposing threat of drug misuse.  The Public Sector award is awarded to a citizen who, in the course of their employment or funding, serves the public with government and/or public monies. Recipients are usually employed by a government agency, hold a political office, or have their good works funded in the course of their employment.

 

Jim McAllister was presented with the Humanitarian award for his dedication to people in need while being a good steward of Rotary’s charitable funds.  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.

 

Biddeford City Council was presented with the Vocational Service award for demonstrating courage and creativity to support technical education via the Rotary House Project.  The Vocational Service award is awarded to a citizen, private or public, who has done exceptional work to promote vocational education and vocational programs. 

 

Karen Chasse, of Biddeford School Department, was presented with the 11^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.  Chasse was acknowledged for her years of continued community service and infectious enthusiasm in promoting the ideals of Rotary while helping those in need. 

 

Paul Harris Fellowships, named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary over 100 years ago, were presented to Conrad Welzel, of Maine Turnpike Authority, Jeremy Ray, of Biddeford School Department, and Jim Godbout, of Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, for exemplifying the humanitarian and educational objectives of the Rotary Foundation.  Welzel was recognized for consistently taking the initiative to ensure details of multiple fundraisers were successful.  Ray was recognized for being a true connector who consistently brings parties together to promote better results and improve technical eduation.  Godbout was recognized for his endless giving to our community above and beyond reasonable expectations and presented as the first multiple Paul Harris Fellow the Rotary Club has ever awarded on a Rotarians behalf.  They were presented with a pin, certificate and $1,000 was donated by the Club to the Rotary Foundation in their honor.     

 

Bill Kany, of Biddeford & Saco Savings Institution, was presented with the Presidential award for being “the backbone of the club” helping President Kay navigate difficult situations, juggle countless activities and being a sounding board.  This award is presented to a Rotarian who went above and beyond in demonstrating immense dedication to the President during their term. 

 

Service Above Self Awards were presented to Susan Gajewski; Laurie Jo Ready of Goodwill Industries; Fausto Pifferrer of Blue Elephants Catering; and Roland Gagne of Pension Professionals.  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, Ready and Pifferrer were recognized for being engaged, involved, and consistently providing support for Rotary events and club activities.  Gagne was recognized for leading the Club’s efforts in the Rotary International community securing funds to help those less fortunate in other countries.

 

Other special club recognition awards related to club duties were also presented to the following individuals for their outstanding efforts: Elaine Palmitessa of Goodwill Industries; Joe Moreshead of Precision Screw Manufacturing Products; Jackson Brown of Harbor View Lending; Ken Farley of MEMIC; and Bernice Wood of Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution.