PORTLAND – The Literacy Volunteers of Maine Stars in Literacy Celebration 2008 was held at the University of Southern Maine Library conference room on May 7. Richard Martineau of West Farmington received the Agnes T. Beckwith Award.

The award is named after one of the co-founders of Literacy Volunteers of Maine and is given to an outstanding administrative volunteer.

Martineau was nominated by the Literacy Volunteers of Franklin and Somerset Counties. He was recognized for his work as an administrative volunteer. He took Literacy Volunteers training in 1989 and has been an active volunteer ever since, first as a tutor, then as a board member and officer, serving as vice president for nine years.

During the 19 years, he played an instrumental role for Literacy Volunteers. He served on the finance, bylaws, nonprofit status processes and fundraising committees; acted as historian, spokesman, attending county fairs and home expo events through the area.

Martineau started the “Once Upon a Time” read-aloud show first with WKTJ radio, then with audio and video on Mt. Blue TV.

Always willing to tackle any chore, he does it with a smile. Martineau was described as thoughtful, unassuming and pleasant by coordinators Sue Fahn and Joan Moes in the application to Literacy Volunteers of Maine.

When Martineau announced his retirement from the board last month he said, “Being involved with Literacy Volunteers has been one of the best times of my life.”