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AUBURN — The City Council Spirit of America Foundation award winners have been announced.
Winners are recognized for outstanding community service and are honored with a proclamation at a Council meeting.
This year’s recipients are Crystal Harnden, a community volunteer with the Auburn Police Department and Gerald “Scott” Whalen, a volunteer with the Edward Little Grandstand Club.
Harnden’s nomination reads, “Crystal Harnden is a volunteer with the Auburn Police Department and we would be lost without her. She is consistent, faithful & completely dedicated to the agency. Week in & week out, Crystal puts in countless hours doing critical data entry work. Since she first started in December of 2014, Crystal has given more than 1,200 volunteer hours to the APD as a member of our ‘Volunteers in Police Service’ – or VIPS – program.
“Her pleasant attitude, endearing smile & hard work have made her a trusted member of the APD family. She embodies the Spirit of America and certainly deserves this recognition.”
Whalen’s nomination reads, “Scott is the most unselfish individual I know. He volunteers his personal time for the Edward Little High School Grandstand Club and holds the office as president of the club. He is out early for every home football game and basketball game. Scott puts in endless hours for ALL high school sports teams, ensuring that the athletes of EL are well taken care of. He is the epitome of what a volunteer is.
“Scott is committed to his community, and his work does not go unnoticed.”
Mayor Jason Levesque, the council and City Manager Peter Crichton announced the tribute at a recent City Council meeting.
The Spirit of America Foundation was established in Augusta in 1990 to honor volunteerism and the tribute is presented in the name of Maine municipalities to local individuals, organizations and projects for commendable community service. The city began participating in 2011.
Previous Auburn recipients include the Auburn Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service Program, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, Ken Blais, Tammy Willoughby, Tizz Crowley, and, most recently, Dan Bilodeau.
TOP PHOTO: Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque (left) congratulates Gerald “Scott” Whalen, recipient of Auburn’s 2018 Spirit of America Tribute for Outstanding Community Service. (Submitted photo)
