On October 22, the Abnaki District of the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America recognized Les Otten with the Spirit of Dirigo Award.

Otten received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America in 1996. This year’s award honored Otten for his dedication to Scouting in Maine.

The Pine Tree Council serves more than 11,300 young people annually through the dedicated efforts of more than 3,200 adult volunteers.

The Abnaki District serves Scouts in Androscoggin and Oxford counties. Among the many communities served are Lewiston, Auburn, Norway, South Paris and Bethel.

The award dinner was held at Maurice’s restaurant in South Paris with many Scouts in attendance.

Among the notable individuals present at the ceremony was Franklin Emery, a 93-year-old Eagle Scout. Les Otten spent time reminiscing with Mr. Emery, a Maine Ski Association Hall of Famer and United States Veteran, over their common interests in skiing and Scouting.

Otten, a businessman and philanthropist from Greenwood, announced his candidacy for the Republican gubernatorial primary on October 19. He lives in Greenwood and is the principal of four Maine businesses: Maine Energy Systems, Sports Vision Technologies, The Phoenix Restaurant and the Colony Development and Builders Co. He was formerly the Chair of the Governor’s Wood to Energy Task Force, owner of Sunday River Ski Resort and Vice Chairman of the Boston Red Sox. He also serves as Past President of the Maine Pellet Fuels Association.


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