📰BIDDEFORD | Age Friendly Biddeford Receives "Spirit of America" Award
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Joshua Wolfe, Biddeford Buzz, Contributing Writer
"I, Liam LaFountain, Mayor of the City of Biddeford, do hereby recognize Age-Friendly Biddeford as the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of America Award, and extend the City's deepest gratitude to every volunteer who gives their time and energy to this mission; for Biddeford is a better, kinder, and more connected place becuase of their service."
July 7, 2026, At tonight's City Council meeting, Mayor LaFountain and City Councilors acknowledged Age Friendly Biddeford for being the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of America Award.
The Spirit of America Award (officially the Spirit of America Foundation Tribute) is a commendation given to local individuals, organizations, or projects to honor outstanding, commendable community service and volunteerism.
The full proclamation read by the Mayor at tonight's meeting is included below:
WHEREAS, the Spirit of America Foundation, established in 1990, presents its Tribute each year in the name of Maine cities and towns to honor individuals, organizations, and projects whose volunteer service strengthens their
communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Biddeford is honored to bestow its 2026 Spirit of America Award upon Age-Friendly Biddeford, an organization that embodies the very spirit of volunteerism this honor celebrates; and
WHEREAS, Age-Friendly Biddeford, led by Executive Director Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Martin and powered by a dedicated team of community volunteers, works to ensure that residents of all ages, and especially our older neighbors, can live full, connected, and independent lives in our city; and
WHEREAS, operating on a modest budget stretched by countless volunteer hours, the organization addresses the practical needs that shape quality of life for older adults, including social connection, access to information and resources, mobility, housing, and meaningful civic participation; and
WHEREAS, through programs such as its volunteer transportation service, which helps residents reach medical appointments they might otherwise miss, and its winter sand bucket deliveries, which keep neighbors safe in their own homes, Age-Friendly Biddeford reflects a vision of a more livable city for all; and
WHEREAS, the heart of this work lies in neighbors caring for neighbors, generations looking out for one another, and a steady commitment to building a community where everyone belongs; and
WHEREAS, by combating isolation and ensuring that our older residents remain valued, active members of community life, Age-Friendly Biddeford has strengthened the fabric of our entire city;
THEREFORE, be it resolved, that I, Liam LaFountain, Mayor of the City of Biddeford, do hereby recognize Age-Friendly Biddeford as the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of America Award, and extend the City's deepest gratitude to every volunteer who gives their time and energy to this mission; for Biddeford is a better, kinder, and more connected place becuase of their service.
To learn more about Age Friendly Biddeford, please visit www.agefriendlybiddeford.org
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