This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Well, when Governor John McKernan created what's called Volunteer Maine, also known as the Maine Commission for Community Service, back in March of 1994 by Executive Order, he recognized Maine's "Long and proud heritage of civic participation and neighbor helping neighbor, and a growing awareness that fostering that ethic of community service and volunteerism is a vital means of renewing community values, of bridging cultural diversity, empowering youth and alienated minorities, and addressing otherwise unmet environmental, human, educational and public safety needs."
Since its creation, Volunteer Maine has harnessed the dedication of volunteers to make a difference across our state. This week, we celebrated these volunteers who are continuing our proud history of civic participation.
The honorees this week were, first of all, Androscoggin Bank, which received the award for Outstanding Business Volunteer Program. Androscoggin Bank employees have contributed nearly 6,000 hours of volunteer work to nearly 200 nonprofit organizations serving meals, stocking pantries, and assisting with job applications.
The second honoree was Finding Our Voices, out of Camden, for Outstanding Nonprofit Volunteer Program. Since 2022, Finding Our Voices has run a statewide program called "Finding Our Smiles." They provide dental care to restore the smiles of survivors of domestic abuse. One survivor described the experience as, "a phenomenal blessing signifying validation, worthiness, closure, and hope." This is an excellent program providing dental care for free to survivors of domestic violence in Maine.
The third award went to Anne Behnke of Lewiston as Maine Volunteer of the Year. For 40 years, she has provided a compassionate presence to people in hospice care through Andwell Hospice House, donating more than 300 hours of her time a year so that no one faces the end of their life alone. Imagine that -- for 40 years she's done that.
Fourthly, the next award went to Nellie Young of Eliot, Maine, and she received the award as Young Maine Volunteer of the Year. Nellie has donated hundreds of hours of her time and talents from an early age. She served as President of the Interact Club at Marshwood High School, she raised funds to support a nursery in culinary school in the country of Peru, and she led a team of students who refurbished an old greenhouse to grow food for local retirement homes.
And fifth, the award winner was The Regulars, a group in Lincoln County, as Outstanding Volunteer Team. The Regulars has completed projects for more than 150 households, building ramps and stairs, securing railings and replacing doors and windows, and restoring doors that are damaged by water and wear to help their neighbors stay safe and warm in the homes that they love.
Well, when Governor McKernan created Volunteer Maine, he envisioned an organization that would bring neighbors together to address the unmet needs of their communities. I think he would be as proud as I am to see the ways that these folks have continued Maine's spirit of community service, and I'm proud to continue this award program during my tenure as governor.
So to the recipients of the 2026 Governor's Service and Volunteerism Awards, Androscoggin Bank and Finding Our Voices, Anne Behnke, Nellie Young, and The Regulars: on behalf of the 1.4 million people in Maine, I thank them for their contributions to our state – and all of the people in every community across this wonderful state who contribute their time and talents and energy to helping their neighbors and communities be healthy, safe, and productive.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.