2020 Citizen of the Year: Dorothy Blanchette

On Thursday, June 24, the Town of Falmouth held a virtual Municipal Recognition Ceremony to acknowledge the work of volunteers who serve on Town boards and committees and to thank them for their service to the community. The Town of Falmouth relies on several volunteer boards and committees to assist and advise the Falmouth Town Council and staff in carrying out the annual Council work plan. Approximately 125 individuals volunteer to serve on these boards, contributing thousands of hours of work each year.

In addition to recognizing the efforts of these volunteers, Town Councilor Ted Asherman presented the Legacy Award to David Halligan, Sr. in commemoration of his lifetime of service to Falmouth. The Legacy Award recognizes residents of Falmouth whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the improvement of the community’s civic, educational, recreational, and/or charitable organizations over a period of many years and whose contributions have left a legacy for future residents of Falmouth. Mr. Halligan was the first male president of Falmouth’s Parent Teacher Organization, one of the founders of Falmouth’s Little League who was instrumental in establishing the Legion Field complex, a volunteer firefighter for 53 years, and an active member of American Legion Post 164. 

Town Council Chair Amy Kuhn also presented Falmouth's 2020 Citizen of the Year Award to Dorothy Blanchette in commemoration of her significant contributions as President of the Falmouth Food Pantry since it moved to its present location in 2008 and particularly her work in leading the Food Pantry’s efforts to meet the needs of some 500 families during the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. Councilor Kuhn noted Ms. Blanchette’s efforts in recruiting and coordinating volunteers, keeping the pantry stocked with donations, securing grant funding, reviewing referrals from case workers, and managing the nonprofit’s finances. Ms. Blanchette has also helped families find affordable housing, job training, and affordable medical care.

The ceremony also included a short video presentation, "2020 Silver Linings," reflecting on the challenges of the past year. A recording of the entire ceremony can be found at: https://play.champds.com/falmouthme/event/2182