Rep. Higgins presented with Myrick Award

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A now re-elected state representative whose time in Augusta is a continuation of decades of advocating for education and economic development in the region was honored with the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council’s 2016 Warren “Pete” Myrick Award on Dec. 5 at the Mill Event Space. Honoree State Rep. Norm Higgins (R-Dover-Foxcroft) is a retired teacher, principal and superintendent in SAD 4, where for 32 years he worked with the award’s namesake.
The Myrick Award is given to recognize a county resident, business or organization who exemplifies Myrick’s concern for and commitment to education, economic development and/or civic leadership in the region. Myrick, a Guilford resident who died in 2002, was a longtime educator in SAD 4 and one of the founders of the PCEDC, serving as president in 2001. Criteria to be considered in determining the award winner includes the overall impact of the candidate’s accomplishments, the duration of their engagement in community service activities and the breadth of involvement in the community. The award is not given to recognize anyone solely for job performance, but seeks to acknowledge those who go above and beyond in donating their time to community service.
PCEDC President and Guilford Town Manager Tom Goulette, a former student of Rep. Higgins at Piscataquis Community Secondary School, said the Myrick Award is based on “economic development and education, that’s our emphasis.” Goulette said these criteria have have been focuses of Rep. Higgins during his career in education, many volunteer pursuits and now in the Legislature — including efforts to bring broadband internet and affordable, renewable energy to the county.
Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Denise Buzzelli said living in New Jersey, “It’s very, very odd to have local representatives involved and knocking on your door and talking to you.” She said Rep. Higgins is the complete opposite as the representative is always speaking with her and others looking at ways and thinking of methods of collaboration on economic development.
“He is not political, what he does is not because he has a political agenda — he truly cares,” Buzzelli said. “You could do a lot less and still be our representative, but you take your role very seriously.”
Goulette, who said he had Rep. Higgins’ for an American government class four and a half decades ago, said the award recipient was there because of his commitment to education, health care and economic development. “Norm has touched every one of those areas to earn the respect of his community, his county and that’s all added up to his receiving the 2016 Warren ‘Pete” Myrick Award.” Goulette said.
Rep. Higgins said he and his wife Helen came to the area 48 years ago. “We thought we would only be here a few years,” he said. “We thought a number of times, my wife and I, maybe we should move on.” The Higgins never left, raising a family and both being active in the community.
“It’s been a great privilege to serve Piscataquis County,” Rep. Higgins said. He said he initially had concerns about not representing SAD 4 communities in Augusta but towns he did not know such as Milo and Brownville.
“It’s given me a chance to meet some great people and learn a bit more about Piscataquis County,” Rep. Higgins said. “What I discovered was a great need for people to come together rebuilding and repopulating Piscataquis County.”
“I like to think in this room there are people who have that ability and power to make that change,” he said. “I’m one who thinks there’s great opportunity here, it’s a challenge but I think it’s a challenge the county is ready to take on.”
Previous Myrick Award honorees are Owen Pratt, retired Dover-Foxcroft town manager (2003); Merlene Sanborn, director of the Penquis Higher Education Center (2004); Roger Merchant, Piscataquis County Cooperative Extension Service (2005); Edwin Treworgy, retired educator, member of the SAD 41 school board and member of the Three Rivers Kiwanis in Milo (2006); Tracy Michaud Stutzman, executive director of the Maine Crafts Association (2007); Sherry French, office manager for WDME Radio (2008); Rhonda Taylor of Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union (2009); John Simko, town manager of Greenville and former president of PCEDC (2010); Thelma Regan, executive director of Piscataquis Valley Adult Education Cooperative (2011); Bob and Barbara Moore, owners Bob’s Sugarhouse (2012); Dennis Green, selectboard member Brownville (2013); Richard “Dick” Brown, CEO, Charlotte White Center (2014); and Ralph “Eddie” Lewis, a long-time volunteer in many Dover-Foxcroft endeavors (2015).

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
MYRICK AWARD RECIPIENT — State Rep. Norm Higgins (R-Dover-Foxcroft), second from right, was presented with the 2016 Warren “Pete” Myrick Award for his service to the community during the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) annual meeting on Dec. 5 at the Mill Event Space in Dover-Foxcroft. Pictured with Rep. Higgins is, from left, PCEDC President and Guilford Town Manager Tom Goulette, Higgins’ wife Helen and PCEDC Executive Director Christopher Winstead.