RANGELEY – Since 1968 the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce has chosen one or two individuals each year as recipients of its community service award. Past winners have donated and volunteered countless hours and resources to the community.

Committee members this year were Dot Wentzell and Kit Caspar from the Chamber, and recent award recipients, Joanne Chapman, Joe Haley and Scott Millbury.

They chose two winners who carry on the traditions: Pilar Bates and Clark Allen. Bates has chosen many causes over the years, and Allen has chosen to make one organization his full-time unpaid career.

Bates has vacationed, then lived, in Rangeley since 1969. Her extensive volunteering credentials include involvement in many organizations: two churches, the Chamber board of directors, the American Legion Auxiliary, the library’s children’s programs and the Rangeley Park Commission, including chairmanship.

More recently, she has guided the Adult Education Program, organized and chaperoned an educational trip to Europe, headed the local Red Cross blood drives and, for many years, served as president of the Giving Tree.

Allen’s love of and devotion to one winter sport has impacted the Rangeley Lakes Region economy. Working tirelessly for the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club, he has served as its president for the past four years and will continue on as president this year to smooth the transition to its next leader.

He has almost single-handedly built a 140-foot bridge over the Magalloway River and has been honored by the Maine Department of Conservation with its volunteerism award.

Allen has been the driving force behind club fundraising from municipalities, businesses and members, which has allowed the club to carry on daily grooming and the purchase of state-of-the-art grooming machines.

He works to host the annual Rangeley Snodeo, which includes fundraising, managing other volunteers and much physical labor.