Director of OOB Library honored for volunteerism

OOB Community Friendly Connection Co-Chairwoman Cathy Chaisson, left, presents the Spirit of America Award to Lee Koenigs, center, at Tuesday night's Old Orchard Beach Town Council Meeting. Standing to the right is Town Manager Diana Asanza.

Liz Gotthelf, Publisher•

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Lee Koenigs has been awarded the 2022 Spirit of America award.

The Spirit of America Foundation is a non-profit established in 1990 to honor volunteerism. The annual Spirit of America Foundation awards are presented in conjunction with Maine municipalities and school districts to honor local individuals, projects or organizations for their community service.

Lee Koenigs is the director of the Edith Belle Libby Memorial Library. She is also co-chairwoman of the Old Orchard Beach Community Friendly Connection – a group that strives to make Old Orchard Beach a great place to live, play and work for people of all ages. She was presented the award at Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting.

“Lee’s can-do leadership is an asset to the CFC and the community at large,” said Cathy Chaisson, co-chairwoman of OOB Community Friendly Connection (CFC). Chaisson said Koenigs is someone who never hesitates to give her time and step up and do what’s needed. Koenigs networks with other people from AARP Age-Friendly groups in other communities, played a key role in organizing the upcoming Fall Fest, and is working to implement a project to coordinate assistance for seniors who need help with small household tasks, said Chaisson.

“Thank you, Lee for your contributions, you are truly deserving of this award,” she said.

She said Koenigs was a team player and has increased access to information in the community through her work with the CFC Resource Guide and the Making Memories oral history project.

“I love this community. I love advocating for this community, I love trying to get folks engaged in this community, and I thank you very much,” said Koenigs.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.