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AUGUSTA — The Maine Association of American Mother, Inc. is searching for nominees from across the state of Maine as candidates for the 2020 Maine Mother of the Year and Maine Mother of Achievement.
The Maine Mother of the Year, who is selected by a special board, will represent the state at the National Convention of American Mothers Inc. in April 2020 in Washington D.C., according to Lina Michaud, president of the Maine Association and 2019 Maine Mother of the Year.
The Mother of Achievement does not actually have to be a traditional “mother,” the ideal nominee would be an outstanding woman who is recognized for the positive impact outside of her home for mothers, children and families at the local, state and national levels, Michaud said.
The Maine Mother of Achievement may also be honored at the National Convention next April if she is selected as one of the National Mother of Achievement Honorees by the National organization of American Mothers, Inc. A National Mother of the Year will be chosen at that convention as well.
American Mothers Inc. is a national interfaith, nonprofit, nonpolitical organization headquartered in Washington D.C. The organization seeks to develop and strengthen the moral and spiritual foundation of the home, community, nation and the world.
Sarah Delano Roosevelt, mother of President Franklin Roosevelt, was the first honorary chairwoman of American Mothers Inc. In 1935 she presented Lucy Kenn Johnson, a mother from Georgia with the first National Mother of the Year award.
Toy Len Goon, an immigrant from China living in Portland, was named the 1952 Maine Mother of the Year and advanced on to be selected as the National Mother of the Year. Her husband, Dogan Goon, died in 1940, leaving her alone to raise five sons and three daughters. Toy Len was 57 years old when she was awarded with the honor, at not only the state level, but national level as well. She was invited to the White House by Bess Truman, wife of U.S. President Harry Truman and first lady of the United States at the time. Goon is the only National Mother of the Year from the state of Maine. Maine sent its first honoree in 1945.
Any individual or organization that would like to nominate a Maine Mother of the Year or Maine Mother of Achievement may nominate online at americanmothers.org. To date three woman have been nominated. The organization hopes to have nominees from every town and city in Maine.
The deadline is Sept. 15. Any woman interested in joining the organization or getting more information may contact Michaud at 207-485-4710 or slaale@hotmail.com.
PHOTO: Pictured from left are association members Gloria Fleming; Joan Theberge; Aline Poulin; Kitty White, 2017 Mother of the Year; Terry Cloutier, 2015 Mother of the Year; Lina Michaud, 2019 Mother of the Year; Julie Brawn, 2000 Mother of the Year; Pauline Lambert; Deanna Allarie; Bette Lerette. (Submitted photo)
