FARMINGTON – Richard Bjorn and L. Herbert “Bussie” York, both of Farmington, are this year’s recipients of the Farmington Rotary Club’s 10th annual community service awards.

During a program Thursday night at the Granary, Bjorn was given the club’s Senior Vocational Award and York was given the annual Entrepreneur award.

“Bjorn was selected for the Rotary award this year because of his wisdom and leadership and the long-term commitment he has shown to his community as witnessed by his dedication to business, his work ethic, honest character and volunteer involvement in the community as well as the generosity he has provided for the good of others,” said Kent Wiles in presenting the award.

Bjorn expressed his thanks to the club for the honor.

Owner of Kyes Insurance Agency, Bjorn was a graduate of Orono in 1956 and married Judy Flint of Farmington in 1957. The Bjorns moved to Farmington in 1968 when he joined the Kyes Agency in Wilton.

Bjorn has shown a strong commitment to his community. He is a past member of the SAD 9 board, life member of Kora Temple Shrine and a member of the Board of Visitors at the University of Maine at Farmington.

He has supported the downtown tree project, Farmington Community Center, the Farmington Public Library, Mallett and Cascade Brook playgrounds and various UMF projects including the Health and Fitness Center and the new Education Building.

He has also contributed to Franklin Memorial Hospital and Titcomb Ski Slope.

York, owner of Sandy River Farms, accompanied by his wife Brenda, has served as a leader in the farming arena.

“While many farmers have cut back or ceased the pursuit, he has been innovative in his field,” said Adrian Harris as he presented the entrepreneur award to York.

York studied animal science at the University of Maine before returning to his father’s farm where he took over upon his father’s retirement in 1961.

Running a 1,200-acre farm, he has a diversified operation, Harris said. Corn raised for market and silage is now processed into pellets for heating fuel.

York promotes corn pellets for fuel around the county and state providing an incentive to farmers to produce more corn and as a way to reduce dependence on oil, he said.

Besides corn, the farm produces dry beans, oats, soy beans, squash and hay. He lumbers in the winter and has a dairy herd numbering 150 registered milking shorthorns and Holsteins.

The number of organizations he has been part of is too long to list, Harris said, citing a few as examples of his community service: More than 30 years as a supervisor with the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District, on the Farmington Planning Board since 1989 and as chairman since 1991.

He served on the town’s Budget Committee and on the University of Maine at Farmington’s President’s Advisory Board.

He has served in both state and national conservation district associations.

He has actively supported 4-H and the Extension Association and numerous other farm- related organizations.