FARMINGTON — A tireless volunteer for her community, Carolyn Balsam of Industry was recognized with a Shining Star Volunteer Award on Thursday by the Franklin Volunteer Network.

The volunteer celebration followed the afternoon’s Western Maine Volunteer Conference where guest speaker, Dr. Allan “Chip” Teel of Damariscotta, described methods to care for and help elders stay at home longer. Several workshops led by local presenters took place throughout the afternoon.

Nominated twice, first by Dorothy Carter and Joan Moes from Literacy Volunteers and by Roger and Karyl Condit, Balsam was recognized for her work with Literacy Volunteers of Franklin and Somerset counties for more than 30 years. She was a tutor, board member and “secret weapon” for selling the most tickets for the organization’s annual movie fundraiser, they said.

“Her friendly face and willing hands make everything at Literacy Volunteers so much easier,” Dotti Carter, Literacy Volunteers director, and Joan Moes, former director, said in their nomination.

The Condits, who were last year’s recipients of the award, recognized Balsam’s work as a Life Enrichment Advancing People director for more than 10 years, a strong advocate for people with disabilities, hospice volunteer, former school board member and her many other acts of service to her community.

A Rising Star award was given to Dan and Amy Palmer of Industry who traveled 1,400 miles around Franklin County on their own dime, giving 295 volunteer hours to help homeowners measure and install interior storm window panels through the Community Energy Challenge, said Nancy Teel, coordinator, who nominated the couple. Teel also acknowledged their involvement with several other organizations since moving here four years ago from Pennsylvania.

The retired couple were not able to attend but wrote a response saying they were “just doing what we didn’t have time for while raising a family and teaching.”

Other nominees for the Shining Star award were Methel Goodwin, Steve Muise and Patricia Hayden. Also nominated for the Rising Star award were Nathan Allen and Cindie Norton.

Representatives from organizations such as the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, Franklin County Emergency Management, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Literacy Volunteers, 82 High Street and Regional School Unit 9 honored volunteers who served throughout the year, giving countless hours.

Last year, 3,883 volunteers who are connected with the Network donated 210,499 volunteer hours in greater Franklin County. That equates to $4,388,904 in community volunteer hours invested, according to the Network.

Launched in the mid-1990s, the Franklin Volunteer Network with the support of the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, Maine Commission for Community Service, the Maine Community Foundation and Network members has grown significantly. Meetings are open to all and are held the second Friday of every month. For more information, visit www.uwtva.org or call 778-5048.

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