Natalie Kyllonen holds the Spirit of America Award presented Monday night at the Mechanic Falls Town Council  meeting. She was recognized for her numerous community events, including July 4 fireworks displays, annual Easter egg hunts, Halloween trunk-or-treat, and “Kyllonen’s Christmas Wonderland” featuring a 30,000 Christmas light spectacle. With her are council Chairman Darrell Young and former Councilor Tarsha Downing. Town Clerk Janice Ferri photo

MECHANIC FALLS — Natalie Kyllonen was presented with the 2023 Spirit of America Award at Monday night’s Town Council meeting in recognition of her decades of service to the community.

As cited in this year’s annual town report for bringing people together for over 20 years, Kyllonen represents the best in “excellence in community service and volunteerism.”

Kyllonen’s well-attended community events include July 4 fireworks displays, annual Easter egg hunts, Halloween trunk-or-treat, and her well-known Kyllonen’s Christmas Wonderland featuring a 30,000 Christmas light spectacle.

The Spirit of America Award was established in Maine in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations for commendable community service.

The town’s annual report is dedicated to John Rowe, a member of the Public Works Department who passed away unexpectedly last April. Raised in Mechanic Falls, he was a member of American Legion Post 150 and always assisted in placing flags on veterans’ graves in Mechanic Falls and Poland.

The town reports are available at the clerk’s station in the Municipal Building at 108 Lewiston St.

In other business, councilors approved the bid of $229,745 from by P and B Paving Inc. of Gray to repave Elm Street from the railroad tracks to Lewiston Street, redo the sidewalks on Elm Street and begin a reclamation project on a section of North Street.

Town Manager Vic Hodgkins said the project is contingent on the proposed 2025 town budget receiving voter approval June 11.

The council also approved using the balance and interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act funds for the road projects. The balance is $12,927 and the interest is $4,525. The town received a total of $314,995.

Councilors also approved retaining 69 acres off Lane Road for future recreational use.

Hodgkins informed the council the town is conducting interviews for a new code enforcement officer. CEO Ryan Smith is moving to Indiana and will serve until July.