PALMYRA – A celebration of Chamber successes and community achievements were recognized Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Awards. The evening concluded with Maine sportscaster George Hale as guest speaker.
     Earl Dean of Pittsfield was recognized as the recipient of the Joyce Packard Community Spirit Award and Sebasticook Family Doctors earned the distinction of Business of the Year. Sebasticook Valley Hospital’s Emergency Services and the communities they serve were recognized Maine Heartsafe Communities. And a new slate of officers was elected to serve the Chamber for the next two years.
     Dean was the fourth recipient of the annual Packard Award, a recognition of Packard’s unique legacy of community service, and individuals still in service to valley communities. Dean was recognized as an “incredible volunteer leader who has, and continues to make a tremendously positive impact in the communities he serves, and while doing this, manages to do so with deep appreciation of others and a true humble spirit of giving,” a description taken from his nomination by Sue DiRosario of Sebasticook Valley Hospital, and a longtime family friend. After settling in Pittsfield in the early 1980s, Dean took over the volunteer operation of the Pittsfield Food Pantry/Community Christmas Project. For many years, the Deans operated the project out of their home until a permanent location was established in 1997 in downtown Pittsfield.
      Sebasticook Family Doctors was chosen as the annual Business of the Year.. The primary purpose of this award is simply to say “thank you” to the area businesses for their contributions to the community. Sebasticook Family Doctors is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) with four locations in the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce service area. The organization has recognized for a huge impact to the communities and demonstrated a dedication to making the area a better place by giving back to the community.
     Communities in the Sebasticook Valley Healthy Communities Coalition Area including Cambridge, Carmel, Clinton, Corinna, Detroit, Dixmont, Etna, Harmony, Hartland, Levant, Newport, Palmyra, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Ripley, St. Albans and Stetson were awarded the designation of a “Maine HeartSafe Community.” The Sebasticook Valley Hospital Ambulance Service and the communities of the SVHCCA qualified for the Gold Level designation of the HeartSafe Program because of excellent commitment to quality educational outreach for the prevention of risk factors associated with sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke, as well as immediate access to emergency services, and prompt medical treatment.       The “Maine HeartSafe Community” designation recognizes the above listed communities’ dedication to improving this “Chain of Survival” through partnerships with the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program
     Outgoing President George Lougee reported Chamber membership rose to almost 300 members during his tenure, but did not quite reach the goal. Inoming President Gary Bellefleur promised to continue building membership among his goals for the next two years. Other officers recognized with new terms with the Chamber include Vice president Michael Wiers, treasurer Mickey Young, secretary Angel Quick, and new directors Marc Inman, Margie Downing, Kathryn Ruth, Jim Miller, Valerie Sinclair and Mike Dugas.
     Hale recounted tales and experiences of 50 years in Maine broadcasting covering the Maine Black Bears and countless high school football and basketball games; activities associated with his role in Maine gambling controls, racing and the adventures of raising nine children and the resulting grandchildren. He expressed his pleasure in coming to Sebasticook Valley to speak, an area where he was acquainted with many individuals and families, several of whom he singled out during his presentation..

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