Bowen receives Kany award from Biddeford + Saco Chamber

BIDDEFORD — Reverend Shirly Bowen received the A. William Kany, Jr. Leadership Award last week for her service to the community.

The A. William Kany Jr. Leadership Award was presented at the Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry’s annual meeting on Feb. 2, held at the Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford.

The award was presented by Bill Kany, son of the award’s namesake.

“The criteria for this award is pretty simple. It’s given to people who have done a tremendous amount to help our communities over a duration of at least ten years,” said Kany.

Bowen, or “Reverend Shirley,” recently retired as director of Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, a drop-in center at 35 South St., Biddeford that provides meals and support services. She founded the neighborhood center in 2008 in her capacity as a priest at Christ Episcopal Church. When the church closed for worship in 2012, Seeds of Hope continued as a non-sectarian non-profit.

Kany described Bowen as someone who has dedicated her life to helping those who need a hand.

“One person once said of this individual, ‘It’s one thing to have a job or a career. It’s another to have a vocation and let something be such an integral part of your life. She feeds the hungry, clothes the unclothed, and loves the unloved,” said Kany.

Bowen received two paintings by local artist Eileen Foley. One painting depicted blooming flowers, symbolizing Seeds of Hope. The other painting was of Hills Beach, one of Bowen’s favorite local spots.

“Seeds of Hope is a ‘we’ organization. We have an amazing board, volunteers, staff, and our neighbors helping each other. I appreciate the acknowledgement and it’s really important that you know it was all of us together that made it happen,” said Bowen upon receiving the award.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at [email protected].