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SPIRIT OF AMERICA AWARD

The Mechanic Falls 2021 Spirit of America Recognition is awarded to Andrew Coleman The Spirit of America Award was established in Maine in 1990 to honor volunteerism and community service by individuals living in Maine communities. Each year during National Volunteer Month the Town Council recognizes an individual or group in the town who represent excellence in community service and volunteerism to receive this honor. This year the town council chooses to recognize Andy Coleman.

Andy, or Android as he is affectionately referred to by his family, is an unsung individual who volunteers many invisible hours during his lunch break or after a long week of work to mow and maintain the town recreation facilities. Andy is a dedicated part of the town Public Works crews who all go above and beyond expectations to keep the roads clear, sidewalks clean and parks decorated for the holidays. But it is what Andy does after work that shows his commitment to his community and to upholding his father’s legacy as the namesake of the Jerry Coleman field which he now maintains. Andy grew up in Mechanic Falls and spent his youth playing T-ball being coached by his own father. Now, as his kids are the ones benefiting from the sport, he has doubled his commitment

to continue his father’s legacy by coaching himself. He spends his spring and summers grooming fields, cutting grass, lining fields and raking in fields. He invests endless hours during tournaments, and on his weekends and his days off caring for the facility but more importantly nurturing a playing field on which so many kids will create boundless memories.

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