SKOWHEGAN — Recipients of the 2012 Spirit of America Foundation Tribute for outstanding community service throughout Somerset County were recently honored at a ceremony at the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge.

Maine Lions Past District Governor Paula Beach, Maine Elks Past President Robert Drisko, Maine State Representative Paul Gilbert, Skowhegan Chairwoman of Selectmen Joy Mase, Maine State Representative Jeffrey McCabe, Spirit of America Foundation President Terrence McCabe, Maine Elks Secretary Philip O’Brion, state Rep. John Picchiotti and Androscoggin County Commissioner Gerald York all praised the efforts of volunteers during the event.

Tribute recipients by town:

Athens: Athens Elementary School advocates prove how valued the local school is by its community.

Bingham: Joseph Bourque has been active in American Legion and has been town ballot clerk for many years.

Cambridge: The Cambridge Fire Department.

Canaan: The Canaan Farmer’s Hall preserves the former grange building and hosts lectures and other events.

Cornville: The Cornville/Athens Food Cupboard provides much needed nourishment to local people in need.

Detroit: The Detroit Volunteer Fire Department has responded to numerous fires over the years.

Embden: The Embden Historical Society rakes and mows 19 cemeteries in town and gives an annual scholarship.

Fairfield: The Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry is an effort involving local churches to assist people in need.

Harmony: Harmony Patriarchs Club provided charitable services and organizes an annual free fair.

Jackman: The Jackman-Moose River Historical Society preserves the Captain Samuel Holden Building and artifacts.

Madison: People Who Care Food Cupboard provides vital service for people without enough to eat.

Mercer: The Mercer Community Emergency Response Team provides training for the town and the county.

Moose River: The Moose River Valley Center provides activities for people 55 and older living within 50 miles.

Moscow: Moscow Elementary School runs special programs to inspire healthy eating and physical activity.

New Portland: The New Portland Lions Fair has raised money for Lions charities for 75 or more years.

Palmyra: Herbert Pearl, a pastor, has been helpful to the food cupboard, putting on meals twice per week.

Pittsfield: The Community Christmas Project is a food pantry providing humanitarian services since the 1980s.

Ripley: The Ripley Celebration Committee organizes an annual festival for residents and visitors.

Skowhegan: Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge annually raises $20,000 for youth groups, gives scholarships.

Smithfield: The Smithfield Snowshiners Snowmobile Club maintains 30 miles of trails in town for public use.

Solon: Lois and Albert Starbird have been active in town and community affairs for many years.

St. Albans: St. Albans Summerfest is an annual July celebration featuring contests, concerts and fireworks.

Starks: Rick and Dorothy Fayen have done much for the community center, library and other causes.