Winners of Spirit of Portland Award Announced

The Portland Senior Center has announced the winners of its "Ralph Paley Spirit of Portland Award" for 2012. This year's honorees are Howard Rosenbaum, Linda Cunningham and Jan Janowski.

The nominations for Dr. Rosenbaum list his years of service to the town of Portland through his service on the Board of Education, Board of Finance, the Board of Selectman and as the chairman of the Gildersleeve-Wheeler Fund.  Additionally his involvement as a founding member of the Brownstone Quorum led him to be instrumental in the development of the riverfront park, the Arch Pavilion and the pavilion at the riverfront. His dedication to making Portland a great place to live and as a guardian of our history make him most deserving of this honor.

Jan Janowski is one of those people who quietly does for others expecting no recognition. She has been a volunteer at the Portland Senior Center for more than 20 years, running the crafts group. Money raised from the products her group made purchased much of the furniture at the center. She is always willing and able to help with town projects. A recent father-daughter dance sponsored by the Parks and Recreation department featured a photo backdrop she designed and put together. She also took the time to help decorate and teach young volunteers how to make corsages for the guests. She also recently made a wall hanging for one of the CCD classes at St Mary Church after being approached with a design that the students came up with. Her time, talent and kindness have been shared with many different groups, always with the betterment of Portland in mind.

Our third honoree is Linda Cunningham, who is being recognized for her years of service to multiple groups in Portland including the Congregational Church, the Historical Society, the Portland Junior Women's Club and the Friends of the Portland Library. She also shares her talents with the Middle Haddam Congregational Church and the Middletown Mission Group. One of the folks who nominated Linda touted her as a no nonsense, get the job done type who seldom sits idle. More than one person also mentioned the fact that you never see Linda out walking when she isn't carrying a bag to pick up litter as she goes, helping to keep Portland the attractive place it is.

Also being honored through the renaming of this award, is the late Ralph "Mickey" Paley. Mr. Paley, who passed away in October, 2011, was a Portland businessman who demonstrated unwavering dedication to the town of Portland.  His daughters and their families generously agreed to sponsor this award in his memory and we are proud to tie this award to the memory of a man who gave immeasurably to his community throughout his life.

A reception will be held at the Portland Senior Center on Sunday, March 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but tickets are required. Call the Senior Center at 860-342-6760 for more information.