Thank you and congratulations to Alice (Quimby) Smith who was, earlier this month, presented with the Maine 2021 Spirit of America Foundation award.

The letter from State of Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows lauded Smith for “countless years of civic dedication and service to not just Rangeley, but across the state of Maine. From committee membership, to Scout leader, to serving those experiencing financial hardships. Especially during a global pandemic.”

The Spirit of America Foundation Tribute honors volunteerism in the name of Maine municipalities. The award is presented to individuals, organizations, and community service projects via nomination.

Smith had also been officially praised by the Town of Rangeley when the 2020 Annual Town Report was dedicated to her for her “many years of dedicated civil service.”

The write up in the Town Report included Smith’s early inclination to help others when she was a standout high school basketball player and would take the time to coach the younger children.

In later years, she co-led both the Boy and Girl Scout troops and was a consistent community volunteer, whether it was running the town census, volunteering at the school, or working the voting polls.

The list of her efforts to help low-income families, seniors, and the disabled, among others, and over decades, is truly awe inspiring.

Even in retirement as a volunteer for Rangeley Health Ride and serving on community committees such as Park Commission, and Budget Committees her energy and dedication to community service is astounding.

As founder of the Rangeley Alumni Association, she still helps to raise scholarship donations to graduating seniors with an annual yard sale.

If you see Alice (Quimby) Smith on any day of the week, my guess is she is probably thinking of how she can help some one or some cause.

Perhaps you can thank her in your own way, either with words or by following in her oh so generous and compassionate footsteps.

(Editor’s Note: Thank you to Cathy Feeley for sharing her dear friend’s good news!)

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