LITCHFIELD — Spirit of America Awards of Litchfield were presented recently to Rodney Allen, John Carpenter, Cobbossee Colony Golf Course, Bruce Chesley, Ernie Keene, Diana Kelting, Ellie Merrifield, Bill Quackenbush, Glen Ridley, Delmar Small, Jim Stoddard and Mary Swain in recognition of exemplary altruistic service.

Delmar Small has spent much time working on the town’s Conservation Trust recouping 40 acres of gravel pit. He has mapped all the town-owned properties and organized and ran a choral group.

John Carpenter coordinates senior care, has organized cutting and processing firewood, shoveling snow and helped those who need a hand. He set up and cooked with the Boy Scouts at the senior picnic and has helped them with clean-up day and fundraisers.

Bill Quackenbush donated many articles to the Litchfield Fair museum, as well as many picnic tables to the Legion. His newest endeavor is cooking pancakes for the Legion and he is the top salesman for their raffle tickets.

Diana Kelting takes care of stray cats. According to her husband, their adventures started in 1992 with one stray cat and her kittens. That led to them caring for up to 37 stray and feral cats at one time. They presently have 23. Kelting is a director for PALS shelter and is active in church work.

Cobbossee Colony Golf Course has held golf tournaments for the Fuel Fund for the past several years. Bill Sylvester also held a tournament to benefit the Litchfield Fire Department with up to $2,500 matched by Modern Woodman of America.

Jim Stoddard was nominated for his longevity and reliability in picking up the bread for the food bank. He stays behind the scenes but they depend on him.

Rodney Allen has volunteered on the fire department since he was a kid, more than 50 years ago. He has served on the Budget Committee for many years.

Mary Swain and her dog, Josh, did hospice visits. The clients loved them but the stress got to be too much for Josh.

Glen Ridley has saved the town thousands of dollars through OSHA compliance, canopy at transfer station. He has been deputy road commissioner and has plowed and fixed machinery on a voluntary basis.

Ernie Keene was nominated for all his time contributed to the American Legion. He was commander for three years was was part of the Kennebec County Veterans Honor Guard. He spent many hours selling raffle tickets to send boys to Boys State.

Bruce Chesley has brought his equipment and set up sound equipment for more than 20 years for the Memorial Day parade. He also set up the sound equipment for the town office and is active with the food bank.

Ellie Merrifield has been leading a Modern Woodmen Junior Club for many years, participating in Make a Difference Day, collecting items for the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, making tray favors for a nursing home and playing bingo with the seniors.

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