Award Winner

Standish Parks and Recreation Director Linda Brooks has been awarded the William V. Haskell Distinguished Professional of the Year Award by the Maine Recreation and Park Association.

“We are so proud of Linda,” said Town Manager Gordon Billington. “To be recognized by her peers for such a prestigious award is truly an honor.”

William V. Haskell, after whom the award is named, served the association since its inception and was the director of the parks and recreation department in Presque Isle from 1946-1981, according to the state association’s website.

“I was very honored to win this award,” said Brooks. “This award is truly an honor for those of us that have committed ourselves to improving our community through parks and recreation.”

Criteria for the award includes demonstrated leadership within the state association and outstanding performance on a community level through innovative programming, facility development and civic involvement.

Brooks, who has served with the town of Standish for 21 years, has been an integral part of creating the town’s skate park, fields, after-school and educational programs, and town events such as the Standish Summer Spectacular.

“Linda has been passionate about making these programs a reality for the people of Standish,” said Billington. “She has worked tirelessly on so many projects for this community, I cannot think of a more deserving person for this award.”

The Maine Recreation and Park Association does its best to keep the award secret from the winner until the night of the event, a feat they accomplished this year.

“It was such a surprise and so nice to have my town manager, colleagues and family there,” said Brooks. “It really was a surprise, they did a great job keeping quiet about that one.”

After the surprise announcement and a round of applause, Brooks had time to reflect.

“It’s just one of those moments in life that make you happy you do what you do,” said Brooks.

Armed Forces Day

On Saturday, May 16, the Standish American Legion Post 128 will host the sixth annual Armed Forces Day at the Kiwanis building located at 40 Kiwanis Beach Road in Standish.

The event will have military, public safety and local commercial displays, live entertainment, games for kids and food provided by the women’s auxiliary.

“At noon we will have the Blue Star Banner presentations,” said Bruce Roubo, commander of the Post. “The presentations are really what this event is for.”

Blue Star Banners are presented to military families so they can display the banner in their home window to show support for their loved ones serving. The official banner is authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war.

“It is so important, I feel so deeply about recognizing the families that have people in the military,” said Roubo. “We show that appreciation by giving the Blue Star Banner. It’s not just the person serving that’s important, it’s the family too, because they support the person serving and we have to recognize that.”

The event starts at 9 a.m. and will continue until 2:30 p.m.

For more information, call 642-5583.

Public Hearing

An informational public hearing for the June referendum questions will be held on May 12 at the Standish Municipal Center, 175 Northeast Road. This will be held as part of the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.

Calling All Green Thumbs

The Steep Falls library will be holding a plant and book sale on Saturday, May 23. They are accepting plant donations for that event. To donate or get more information, call the library at 675-3132.

Standish Parks and Recreation Director Linda Brooks won a state award recently for her service as recreation director.Courtesy photo