Valley Grange will honor Manda Stewart as Community Citizen of the Year

GUILFORD — Valley Grange in Guilford has announced the annual Celebration of Community, which will take place on Friday, May 16 at the Grange Hall. The event includes honoring the local organization’s Community Citizen(s) of the Year. This year the Grange will honor Manda Stewart, executive director of the Piscataquis Area Community Center. The event celebrates the strength of rural communities with a community potluck supper at 5:30 p.m., followed by a program featuring a presentation of certificates of recognition at 7 p.m. The program includes an opportunity for guests to share testimonials and appreciation.

Program Director Walter Boomsma noted in announcing the celebration, “We always try to honor people who have their boots on the ground and give of themselves to strengthen and build our communities. These too often unsung heroes are a lifeline for our communities. The event itself brings neighbors and friends together. Even the meal demonstrates the strength and value of our communities, as the communities prepare the potluck supper by bringing dishes to share.”

Stewart is an active community leader and dedicated mother of two, whose children enjoy swimming, golf and dance. She has a passion for water skiing, boating and reading, and she devotes much of her time to volunteering. Stewart serves as the president of the Ridge View Community School Boosters in Dexter, is a Kiwanis member and partners with the Dexter Development Association to support local initiatives.

“She has been unstoppable in her efforts to create a viable community center out of the former YMCA in Dover-Foxcroft. She is a wearer of many hats and source of boundless energy and doesn’t seem to have the word ‘can’t’ in her vocabulary. Valley Grange is honored to offer this opportunity for our communities to recognize her compassion, professionalism, and resilience,” Boomsma notes.

Community Service Chair Mary Annis adds, “This is always such a great evening as we enjoy the chance to connect with each other, share a great meal, and celebrate our rural lives. So many people benefit from the work Manda and people like her do daily. This is a chance to thank them in person and maybe shake hands and give a hug.”

Additional information about the event is available at http://valleygrange.com and on the Valley Grange Facebook page.