LEWISTON – Department of Recreation Director Margaret “Maggie” Chisholm recently received an Exemplary Leadership Award at the Fourth Annual Community Exchange hosted by the Maine Community Justice Projects, Weed & Seed and Volunteers of America. Chisholm was recognized as an Androscoggin County community leader who has gone “above and beyond” to lead problem-solving community strategies.

Taken by surprise by the award, Chisholm said, “It was such a pleasure to represent both the city of Lewiston and Androscoggin County.

The work that we’ve accomplished has been possible through the consistent teamwork that is demonstrated by both the Safe Haven and Weed & Seed Committees.” As a longtime chair of the Androscoggin County Safe Haven Committee, Chisholm works with youth-serving agencies from across the county to devise and implement innovative prevention strategies to ensure positive futures for youth. Projects worked on include the importance of childhood communication with children ages birth to 3; anti-bullying; and school truancy prevention.

In addition to leading the Safe Haven Committee since the late 1990s,

Chisholm has also led the countywide Weed & Seed Steering Committee. Weed & Seed is a community-driven strategy funded by the US Department of Justice to reduce and ultimately prevent crime in neighborhoods and towns throughout the country.

Patricia Kimball, Program Manager for Weed & Seed Projects, noted “Maggie has endless energy and passion for her work and is always thinking of new ways to address challenges faced by communities across Androscoggin County. This award is our way of recognizing her commitment and dedication to her community.”

Upon hearing of Chisholm’s recognition, Lewiston’s City Administrator James A. Bennett responded, “This award is another example of Lewiston employees’ outstanding work. Maggie’s responsibilities at the Rec Department and her positive community outreach are very beneficial to Lewiston residents, and we are fortunate to have her on our municipal team.”