LIVERMORE — Before family and community members, Robert and Ruby St. Pierre were given the Spirit of America Tribute at the Select Board meeting Tuesday, July 30.
[Back row] Holly Dubord [blue shirt], Mark Dubord, Yvonne DeMillo, Anna Lake, Anita Hill, Pauline Boivin, Susan McCarthy, Bertha Flagg, Lisa Bilodeau and Scott Bilodeau. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal
Carrie Judd, administrative assistant, read a letter addressed to the couple: “Dear Robert and Ruby, Congratulations to you for being presented with the Maine 2023 Spirit of America Foundation award in recognition of your many years of helping your community and citizens. Your community volunteerism is an excellent example of a true Maine spirit of giving back to your community. Thank you for your dedicated service.”
Judd presented the award and flowers to the couple.
“Exactly what have I done?” Robert asked, getting a laugh from the crowd.
“I always wondered who took care of in front of the bridge guardrail, near River Road,” Chairman Mark Chretien responded. “Then one day I saw Robert and Ruby with trimmers just going to town. We really thank you for that.”
“And the years on the Fire Department, Robert,” Selectperson Scott Richmond added.
“When we started 15 years ago, we could barely see anything at the stop sign,” Robert said.
The Spirit of America Foundation Tribute is presented in the name of Maine municipalities to local individuals, organizations and projects for commendable community service. Since Alma Jones received the first Spirit of America Tribute from
Augusta Mayor William Burney on Nov. 26, 1991, the tribute has been presented at 500-plus ceremonies.
In other business, there was discussion about the need for a new four-wheel drive forestry truck. Fire Chief Don Castonguay met with the board to address the issue, explaining that the current truck requires $10,000 in repairs.
Chretien noted that a special town meeting would be needed to approve $30,000 to replace the truck.
Castonguay detailed the situation. “I brought the 4×4 to Bailey Brothers Ford last week,” he said. “Bailey’s estimate is over $10,000. The motor is shot and the frame is almost gone. We bought it used in 2004 or 2005. It served us well.”
Selectperson Brett Deyling advised, “Look far and wide to get trucks without rust on them.”
Castonguay said, “I was hoping it would last a couple more years. Maybe someone will donate some money toward the new 4×4 forestry truck.”
The board noted they would need to address the matter further in an upcoming meeting.
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