Final nominations for the Courier’s Great Person award are in and it’s time to cast your vote for the person you think makes our community a special place to live. The ballot, printed on page 8, must be returned to the Courier by next Thursday.

Here’s a look at our most recent nominations and previously published nominations:

 Carol Roberts nominates the CSI staff at Common Connection Club because, “they keep our club going and help us all year ’round.”

 Stone Soup Food Pantry board members Helen Lewis, Scott Wood, Don Liberty, Nancy Redwine, Mike Killinger and Jodi Bissonnette and volunteers nominate Kathy Duke. They write: “Kathy is the spokesperson for this food pantry.  Any good that comes to us and any good that we may do is specifically due to the hard work, and long hours, and innumerable speaking engagements, functions, fairs, etc., that Kathy attends.  She devotes most of her waking  moments to causes sanctioned by and for the pantry and the entire southern Maine area.”

 William S. Robbins nominates Chris Dunn, a clinical exercise physiologist at the Cardiopulmonary Wellness Center at Southern Maine Medical Center. “Like many others before me, he has guided me from a person with great concerns about my future health to what I am today,” he writes. “When you add up all the attendees who have been affected in the past, who will remain part of the continuing activities and the new arrivals, Chris Dunn will have a positive influence on literally thousands of people in need. From my point of view, this is the definition of a ‘great person.’”

Sarah Locke nominates the staff (Andy Greif, Andrew Burnell and Bronwyn Potthoff) at the Community Bike Center in Biddeford. “As a teacher at Biddeford Middle School, I have witnessed the bike center affect many children positively with such a supportive environment that helps build confidence, responsibility and pride in our students. Kudos to them,” she writes.

 Sunni Stratton nominates Jose Hussain Fakory of Saco. She writes: “Every Sunday morning for the past two years he gets up before dawn at his home in Saco and drives to Biddeford to pick up a helper and then back to Saco to Hannaford Bros., to pick up heavy boxes of produce, bakery and deli products to deliver to the Forest Green neighborhood in Biddeford. He does all of this at his own expense so the residents of Forest Green can stretch their food budgets and I believe it’s important that he knows that he is ‘Greatly’ appreciated.”

 Lowell Carson nominates Eileen Foley of Biddeford for, “her great efforts in restoring the Biddeford downtown and also her great works for Big Brothers and Big Sisters.”

Lindola Carson nominates Eileen Foley of Biddeford for “all her hard work with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program and downtown efforts.”

 Brian Harmon nominates Eileen Foley of Biddeford for starting “light up the night” for education, the work she’s done for downtown Biddeford and Big Brothers-Big Sisters.”

 Chris Marshall nominates Eileen Foley of Biddeford for “the large amount of work she’s done in downtown Biddeford and for the work she’s done for the Big Brother-Big Sister program.

 MaryAnn Marshall nominates Eileen Foley of Biddeford for “all her time she’s put into Big Brothers and Big Sisters and for her help with downtown Biddeford.”

Sharon Quatrano nominates Eileen Foley of Biddeford for, “all her tremendous work with Big Brothers-Big Sisters and downtown Biddeford.”

Debbie Lizotte nominates Pam Gaudette of Biddeford, an officer of the 50+ Club and volunteer for the recreation department. She writes: “Her smile and thoughtfulness are contagious. Everyone who comes into her life is a better person for having known her. She is a wonderful lady and the best friend anyone could have.”

 Todd Glacy nominates his wife, Penny Clum Glacy. He writes: “In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother, and UNE faculty member, Penny is also the owner of Saco River Yoga Studio. She is a wonderful person who is committed to helping promote health, happiness, peace and well-being in others … Through the studio Penny has regularly held fundraisers for other community organizations (Saco Food Pantry), offered workshops and classes on personal health and spiritual development, and provided space for community-building activities and events (drum circles, kirtan, etc. ...). Her work and dedication is a positive asset in helping to make our community a very special place.”

 Annie Levine nominates Andy Greif, director of the Community Bicycle Center on Hill Street in Biddeford. She writes that more than 102 children participate in the program, where they learn to repair and maintain their bicycles, even “earning” a bicycle by putting in many training hours. “Children also learn leadership skills, how to work cooperatively in small, crowded spaces, how to share, how to follow instructions and how to have fun developing a life-long, healthy activity,” she writes. “In June of this year, Andy led 40 children and adults in the Trek Across Maine and raised over $29,000 for the American Lung Association for Maine. In short, Andy is selflessly dedicating himself to greatly improving the lives of many needy children in Biddeford, and both he and the program well deserve this recognition.”

 Debbie Lizotte nominates Barbara Jackson of Biddeford: “Barb is the ultimate volunteer. Not only does she volunteer for Biddeford 50+ Club, but for (the) free clinic, Second Congregational Church. She is a dedicated volunteer and will come to the aid of anyone in need. She is a caring, very sharing woman. I appreciate her so much!”

 Sunni Stratton nominates Cindy Livermore of Biddeford. For the past two years, she writes, Livermore has gotten up before dawn to accompany Jose Fakory to Hannaford Bros. in Saco, to pick up commodities for her neighbors at Forest Green. “She makes sure that all new residents know of this service and she helps deliver to those who cannot get out. She especially loves to work with the children and help them to select goodies for their snacks and meals.”

 Carl Walsh nominates Joe McKenney: “Since the first public meeting on Nov. 19, 2008, Joe has devoted his time and energy to help make the Biddeford Dog Park a reality.”

 Frank Donahue of Saco nominates Bob Nichols, director of the Saco Food Pantry. “Bob is not only director of the food pantry for several years,” he says, but also very active several times a week at rounding up food and staples for the food pantry. He is co-chairman of the annual Thanksgiving free dinner at Most Holy Trinity Church. Nichols is very unassuming, he says, looks for what needs to be done and doesn’t look for anything in return.

 Scott Waterhouse nominates his sister, Pam Payeur of Biddeford. He writes: “Pam is not some person that you can pacify with a half-hearted answer or patronize in any way. She got involved with Wounded Warriors basically out of default from personal experience and has not stopped since by holding benefits and events and doing whatever it takes to raise money so when these people come home from war, they have what they need to get by while government decides how they are compensated . This includes welcoming vets getting of the plane, parades, Thanksgiving baskets, etc.”

Doris Day nominates her grandmother, Beatrice M. Verrier of Lyman: “Beatrice is a very giving person without any complaints, sick or not … She is 88 years old, mother of nine children of her own. Beatrice still manages her own home. She used to raise her own brothers and sisters and raised their children too … Beatrice has 27 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.”

 Judith MacGillivray nominates Dr. George Abboud, who she describe as, “a wonderful man and a caring, dedicated doctor … He has brought my husband through so many episodes of health-related extreme problems that words are not enough to describe how truly fortunate and grateful we are to have had his care.”

April Plante nominates Conrad Beaudoin, Biddeford Intermediate School crossing guard: “He is the most amazing cross guard ever. Not only does he help the kids crossing safely, I have seen him helping kids zip their coats and he even goes out to the middle of the road to help direct us parents in our vehicles as we drop and pick our children up each day so that the flow of traffic keeps moving. He puts his whole heart and soul in keeping our children safe each and every day, no matter what the weather ... sun, rain or snow, we can be sure he will be there. He is like an angel from above protecting our most precious gifts, our children.”

 Rose Varney nominates Phyllis Berkhoudt: “She is 99 years old and is a very smart lady. She calls people from The Salvation Army who are sick and prays for them … She is the most caring person I know at her age of 99. She never thinks of herself first, but others.”

 Sandy and Frank Wolcott nominate Eileen Foley of Biddeford: “Eileen Foley is most deserving of the Great Person Award because of her continuous interest and involvement in the city of Biddeford. She has been an active volunteer for the Heart of Biddeford since its inception and in particular the Chalk on the Walk event that is held annually. She is responsible for the current storefront decorations by local organizations for the holiday – a truly wonderful program.  These are just two of the many projects that she has undertaken, not to mention the many, many hours she spends working to make Biddeford a wonderful place to live.”

 Jack Fowler nominates Vassie Fowler of Biddeford for her “amazing community and charitable work.”

 Jolene Collins nominates Debra Gagnon, director of Bon Appetit community meal program. She writes, “… we are lucky to have her there. We see her there almost every day, greeting us with her smile. She goes beyond directing because of her warm smile, taking the time to know our names, giving a listening ear, and if you need it, a shoulder to cry on …” Collins says children at the program look up to Gagnon and even volunteer to help.

Rose Varney nominates Norman and Lois Garcia of Old Orchard Beach: “They give so much time and caring to others. They work so hard and go into homes and hospitals praying for the sick … they are true gifts of God and I love them so very much.”

 Bromwyn Pottnoff nominates Andy Greif, director of the Community Bicycle Center, for “working tirelessly to create safe spaces for kids in Biddeford.”

 Mrs. Roy P. Fairfield nominates Sallie Huot of Saco. She noted Huot’s 25-plus years of volunteering at Dyer Library, that she’s secretary of Kimball Health Center, pivotal in founding a veterans’ housing center in Saco, active in many Episcopal church functions, serves on committees for the Saco Area Historical Society, is chief editor of a Saco church history and is a family leader.

Dennis P. Robillard nominates Tom LaChance of Old Orchard Beach: “Tom was the driving force behind the revitalization of the Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach. If it was not for his vision, drive and determination, the Ballpark would still be an eyesore.”

 Lori LaBrecque nominates Linda Ladakakos, who started the Saco Jets baton organization in 1963. “Since this time,” she writes, “Linda is has taught many young ladies and young men not only about the sport of baton twirling, but she has given many lifelong lessons in her classes. Linda is always encouraging to her students and always believes in them and pulls out the positive qualities in each student … at a competition, Linda can usually be found in a corner surrounded by little girls in a cloud of hairspray as she does all of the students’ hair before a competition.” 

  Bil Moriarty nominates Roland Lawler and David Bourque of Biddeford: “Roland and Dave are always thinking about how to better our city. During the holidays they help with Santa Bil’s Workshop. They collect toys, store donations and trees and then help deliver those trees. During the summer they coordinate our community barbecue, which really brings our little community together. When we started a crime watch group for our area, both Roland and Dave spent as much time as possible to make it a success. There are so many other things they do to help our city that it would take a hundred pages to list it. These men would never seek any thanks for what they do but are my heroes for the community I live in.”

 Marsha Twombly nominates Tony Leclerc of Biddeford for “tirelessly reclaiming St. Mary’s Street” with his morning and night vigilance. “The street is now a pleasure to be on again. The town should thank him,” she writes.

 Ray and Yolande Lowell nominate Pris Lessard of Biddeford and writes that she brings the Eucharist to the sick and disabled in nursing homes and does food shopping for the handicapped. “She goes out in all types of weather, rain snow and ice … this is when most of us would rather be in our homes, warm and dry. Pris has done this for many years, on foot as she doesn’t drive.”

 Lori LaBrecque nominates Joan Lonsdale of Biddeford who works at Biddeford Savings Bank and in 2004 was a  founder of the Adopt a Family program. Since then, she writes, “Joan and her committee have collected donations, sold teddy bears, organized car washes and sold baked good at local events, all to raise money for less fortunate families.” Each year the program provides a turkey basket and Christmas gifts for local families. Since 2005, she also has organized a yearly Christmas party for residents at South Ridge Living Center in Biddeford.

 Theresa O’Leary nominates Michael O’Leary of Casey’s Quality Cars on Route 1 in Saco:  “Michael is a man that is truly a caring and giving person in all aspects. First and foremost is his business in which he will do what it takes to make the customers happy by taking care of their needs. Michael is always right there to help someone in need or donate to charities of all causes. He always greets people with a warm smile and an open heart. Michael gives 100 percent in all that he does and usually tends to put his own wants or needs last. Michael’s act of kindness touches someone every day and I truly admire him for all he does.”

Susan Atwood nominates Kim McLaughlin, Old Orchard Beach town clerk. “In this day where finding polite and helpful people in the government sector is sometimes a challenge, Kim is definitely the epitome of help,” she writes. “She goes above and beyond what is required all the time. She is always volunteering her time to projects in the town and she is truly our secret treasure. I would like to offer her to you as my nominee for Great Person because to this town, she really is.”

 Dru Laduke nominates Leo Menard  “for his commitment to the Saco Food Pantry and the Open Hands - Open Hearts program. A lifelong resident of our community, Leo has been the driving force in coordinating the efforts of the Saco Food Pantry’s Board to bring an idea to reality. Instrumental from development to implementation, Leo has brought together two local Rotary clubs and hundreds of hours in in-kind services from local businesses and tradesmen. Starting with a conversation with Jim Smith from Lowe’s in Biddeford, that provided a $25,000 grant to the expansion project, it seemed for every one person Leo talked to about the project, he got two volunteers to do different phases of the expansion,” he wrote.

“Leo Menard will be remembered as an individual that inspired others to come together in the name of service, beyond themselves, to help those that are served by the pantry. In addition, he has fostered Elaine Fournier’s idea of the Open Hands – Open Heartsclothing distribution to expand its operation and provide a permanent home for the free program. Part of Leo’s legacy will be that he literally changed the look of the Saco Food Pantry and the Open Hands – Open Heart program, inch by inch: New building expansion, new roof, new siding, new plumbing, new parking lot and landscaping. Thanks to Leo an unsung program within our community has a new life.”

 Deb Landry nominates Dr. Conner M. Moore of Saco. She says Moore has served the Greater Saco/Biddeford/Old Ochard Beach area for more than 40 years as a well-respected and dedicated pediatrician. She writes “his commitment to our community is uplifting … he gives without expectations. A recent author, he has requested that proceeds be donated to a charity set up by a patient’s mother, Jessi’s Gift. The scholarships will assist young people wishing to pursue a career in nursing. Retired, Dr. Moore still works with Sweetser, SMMC and MMC and finds time to cover colleagues when needed. His selflessness and compassion for others makes me want to be a better person every time I speak with him.” 

 Alberta Varney nominates Marjory Oates: “She is 93 years old and is an amazing woman. She makes coffee every Wednesday for our tenants. She volunteers at SMCC two days a week. She helps anyone that needs her.”

Karl R. Reed Sr. nominates David R. Paquette of Biddeford: “He used his own funds and talents to build a communications system, a 2-meter repeater for anyone to use at no cost here in Biddeford. This system enables two-way communication for an amateur radio mobile base in a broad area. This system will also be used for emergency communications in the area if or when it may need to be activated for citywide emergencies. The repeater runs on 147.150 mhz. Dave’s call letters are K1JWM.”     

 Alan Parent nominates his wife, Vickkie Parent of Biddeford: “The reason I nominate Vickkie is because of her caring and compassion for others. Vickkie is full of energy and shares her energy through her love of Zumba, which is a Latin fitness dance at Intensity Fitness Dance Studio in Biddeford. People love her classes and through Zumba she has helped them to change their lives and the way they think of working out and getting fit for a healthy way of life. She has brought joy to others and to her family.”

Cpl. Michael Payeur, U.S. Army (retired), nominates Pam Payeur: “Since 2008, Pam has dedicated every day of her life to helping wounded soldiers.” In 2009, she became the founder and director of the Wounded Hero’s Program of Maine’s Warrior Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps wounded soldiers who are having issues returning back to civilian life, from paying rent, car payments, filling oil heating tanks, providing food to even purchasing a vehicle for not only the soldiers but their families as well.

“Pam and the Warrior Legacy Foundation also help the soldiers navigate the long, exhausting and confusing road of the Veterans Administration process so they can get their disability rating along with everything else they are entitled to,” Payeur writes. “Not only am I one of Pam’s many wounded soldier cases, I am also her son and without her help, I, nor any of her other soldiers, would be able to get back on their feet and be able to provide for themselves after some time.”

State Rep. Alan Casavant also nominates Pam Payeur of Biddeford: “Her energy, her vision, her generosity and her love of country and those who sacrificed on behalf of our country, are unmatched.  She is truly a local hero, as she gives of herself to benefit so many.”

Roland Pelletier, retired from the Army, writes his choice also is Pam Payeur: “As the local leader of the Maine Wounded Warriors Program Pam has unselfishly devoted her life and has collected tens of thousands of dollars for our wounded heroes. She has gotten a huge discount at the Prime dealership for a vehicle for a disabled hero. She has managed to get vehicle maintenance for warriors in need. She is an angel for our warriors. She is the greatest person around.”

Sonja Leclerc nominates Pamela Payeur of Biddeford: “Pam heads a program called Wounded Heroes Program of Maine … that provides needs to our wounded soldiers, their families and even those who are still at war. She is an amazing person, and this is only a small depiction of what she does for people. She herself has a son who was wounded at war a couple years ago. Pam is as much a hero as our troops and deserves to be recognized.”

Danielle Payeur is nominates her mother, Pamela Payeur of Biddeford: “She puts countless hours into charities, fundraisers, ceremonies ... any cause for our soldiers here at home and overseas. She founded Wounded Heroes Program, a nonprofit group that helps soldiers and veterans in need. All of this, after being a supportive housewife and stay-at-home mother of three kids most of her life. She isn’t just a great person or a great mother. She’s amazing. And she is my Great Person, every single day.”

Co-workers at Biddeford City Hall nominated Don Pepin, the city’s building inspector. They wrote: “Some people think that a ‘great person’ is someone that give material things to others. Our nominee is a person who gives of himself.” They describe him as a very upbeat, positive and unselfish individual who will go out of his way to help others. “He is never sad or depressed,” they added, “and always has the best outlook on things.”

 Marlene Miner nominates Louise Reid of Old Orchard Beach, assistant town manager in Old Orchard Beach. Minor writes, “Louise is always pleasant and helpful to citizens – both old and new.”

 Paula Des Haies nominates Nicole Saucier, director of Steppin’ Out Dance Centre in Saco. She nominates Saucier for her Christmas show with profits that go to local charities and having a great place for teens that keeps them out of trouble. “She’s an asset to our community,” writes Des Haies.