Behind-the-scenes woman honored for her selflessness

MEXICO — A woman who prefers to stay out of the limelight as she tries her best to help those in need was honored Thursday night as this town's Citizen of the Year.

Sue Byam, coordinator of the local food pantry, deacon of her church, and ballot clerk for the town, among other things, was honored by more than 100 town officials, other volunteers and municipal employees at the annual Night of Appreciation.

"She does things behind the scenes and is always doing for others. She's always worried that people will have enough and never hesitates to help," said Selectman Reggie Arsenault prior to presenting Byam with the Citizen of the Year plaque.

Byam has volunteered at the food pantry, which is based in the Congregational Church, for 15 years.

"I couldn't do it without all the help of others," she said.

Her name will be posted on an exterior sign in one of the town's mini parks.

Also recognized were several others in town.

Mike Chartier, a full-time Mexico firefighter, received the award as Volunteer of the Year. A 2000 graduate of Mountain Valley High School, Chartier coaches the school's lacrosse team, goes into schools on his own time to explain fire safety, and helps Boy Scouts with many merit badges, among other volunteer activities.

Employee of the year was Janna Schuster, a town office employee who not only serves residents through municipal services, but also helps out the Mexico Sewer District. Part-time employee of the year was Roxanne Jenkins, also a town office employee.

The annual Town Manager Award went to Rob Stevens, the town's tax assessor.

Town Manager John Madigan said Stevens has been under a lot of stress this year because of the townwide revaluation.

"He went above and beyond," Madigan said.

Several special awards were also presented.

Among them was a certificate of heroism from the Mexico Police Department and the Board of Selectmen, and a legislative sentiment from the Maine Legislature to 11-year-old Dakota Arsenault for actions he took in December 2008 that led to saving the life of his great uncle, John Harlow.

Former Selectman Arthur Bordeau was honored for his many years of service to the town. Madigan said next year's annual report will be dedicated to him. This year's annual report was dedicated to longtime ballot clerk, now deceased, Jeannette Brown.

Madigan said the annual event, complete with supper and drawings for various prizes donated by local businesses, is a chance to thank all the volunteers, committee members, employees and other people for the many services they provide to the town during the year.

eadams@sunjournal.com