Saco Bay Sunset Rotary Club honors Paul Harris Fellows

The Saco Bay Sunset Rotary club honored five people Tuesday night with the Paul Harris Fellow award.

The Paul Harris Fellow Award, named after Rotary International’s founder Paul Harris, is one of the highest distinctions a Rotary club can bestow on someone and recognizes service to the community in and out of Rotary. It acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.

Donna Lariviere received the Paul Harris Fellowship in honor of her work at LaDawn Quarter Horses Therapeutic Riding Center in Dayton.

“There is no one that I’ve seen who has dedicated more of her time to helping others,” said Kelly Canning, Rotarian and LaDawn board member.

Lariviere works full-time as an occupational therapist in addition to the therapeutic riding lessons, barn work and horse care she does at LaDawn. Canning has witnessed Lariviere’s work with others at the equestrian center.

“I’ve seen little miracles. I’ve seen little moments of joy,” said Canning. “It’s because of Donna’s dedication that these little miracles have occurred.”

Lariviere said LaDawn has riders from age 15 months to 93 years old. Therapeutic riding gives disabled riders physical support by helping them get stronger, but it also gives them emotional support because it gives them confidence by doing something different.

Marie Sherwood, center, poses with Town Clerk Kim McLaughlin and Rotarian Dennis Robillard after she received a Paul Harris Fellow award. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF

 

Old Orchard Beach resident Marie Sherwood was honored for the work she does for local veterans.

The Old Orchard Beach Town Hall at Christmas time has a giving tree for veterans, with ornaments that list items needed by local veterans. Sherwood came into Town Hall one day to drop off some items, and asked if she could donate to veterans year-round, said Town Clerk Kim McLaughlin.

Since then, Sherwood comes in every month with a delivery of toiletries, new clothing, and other daily necessities. The items are neatly packaged and each monthly delivery has a seasonal theme. For example, February’s donation will include Valentine’s chocolates. The items are distributed to local veteran organizations.

“She just goes all out for these veterans, and I, for one, am extremely thankful for her. She has been a Godsend to our veterans,” said McLaughlin.

Sherwood said her husband was a Vietnam veteran. She said she’s always had a soft spot for veterans, and she’s a savvy shopper.

“I want the veterans to know that they matter, and they’re not forgotten,” she said.

Old Orchard Beach residents June Boulette and Bud Hurst were given Paul Harris awards for their dedication to their community and helping others.

June Boulette, center, holds her Paul Harris award. Standing with her are Rotarians Dennis Robillard and Sharri MacDonald. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF

 

Business owner Sharri MacDonald described Boulette as someone who does things without any fanfare and without a desire for accolades. She’s the type of woman who makes cookies for someone who’s dying of cancer or gives someone a hug if they need it, said MacDonald. She is also the president of the VFW auxiliary.

“She gives with her heart, with everything she has,” said McDonald.

 

Bud Hurst, center, poses for a photo with Rotarians Dennis Robillard and Sharri MacDonald. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF

Hurst is the owner of Aquaboggan Water Park and donates the space for community group OOB365’s biggest annual fundraiser. MacDonald described Hurst as a good-hearted person who wants to make life better for other people.

“There’s so much that I’ve learned from this man about life, and about giving, and about just being good,” she said.

Photo by Liz Gotthelf

 

Much to this reporter’s surprise, I was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship. It’s truly an honor, and I thank everyone involved for the recognition.

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