PARIS — Attorney Sarah Glynn is the epitome of volunteerism and embodies the spirit of the town, which is why Selectman Vic Hodgkins nominated her for the 2016 Paris Spirit of America Foundation Tribute.
Hodgkins brought up the nomination at the Monday, Feb. 22 selectmen’s meeting.
“We all want to say good things about Paris, we all want positive things done and said about Paris. There is something on the table … that this board can take under its wing and kind of take a step in that direction,” he said. “The Spirit of American recognition program is done in Maine, [it] recognizes its citizens for volunteerism and good works in the course of the preceding year.”
He said a name for the recognition was due by Sunday, Feb. 28. He made a motion the town get involved with the program, which is run by the nonprofit based in Augusta.
Selectman Janet Jamison clarified there was no cost associated with participating but wasn’t sure about the program.
“I guess I just don’t understand why we wouldn’t do something on our own instead of pitching our wagon to some other outfit,” she said.
Hodgkins said it’s a well-established program that surrounding communities such as Lewiston-Auburn, Mechanic Falls and Minot already participate in and the award recipient is honored not only at town meeting in June, but in the fall during a multiple-county recognition event.
“There’s no lose, it’s all win,” he said.
“I don’t think it can hurt. There’s only an upside to it,” Selectmen Chairman Mike Risica said.
The board unanimously approved participating and Hodgkins then nominated Glynn.
“For me, Sarah personifies what the town of Paris is about. She gives hours, hours and hours of her time,” he said, adding this included her work with the AARP Age Friendly Community initiative and the Paris Revitalization and Renewal committees.
“At the end of the day, I know Sarah is the type of person to be honored and I am proud to nominate her.”
“I think Sarah would be great,” Selectman Robert Wessels said. “We should have an executive session in the future where we can surprise said nominee.”
Selectmen unanimously approved Glynn for the Spirit of American recognition.
On top of her involvement with the Age Friendly Community project and Paris Renewal and Revitalization committees, Glynn also is a member of Kiwanis, commander of the Paris American Legion, participates in Key Club events, earned a Katahdin Certificate for her pro bono work and was recognized by the Maine State Bar in January for having the most pro bono hours of all attorneys in Oxford County participating in the Volunteer Lawyers Project.
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