United Way of the Tri-Valley Area seeks nominations for the annual Gary A. LaGrange Community Impact Award. This award recognizes an individual or couple that goes above and beyond to significantly impact Greater Franklin County through their volunteer efforts.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 3, and voted on by the United Way Board of Directors at the February board meeting.

It is important to recognize those who have gone above and beyond to impact the community, according to a news release from Nichole Ernest, director of marketing and communications.

This award is presented to an individual who best exhibits commitment, enthusiasm, caring and support in the following areas:

• Improving health and wellness (i.e., reduce food insecurity, access to medical care);

• empowering the community to become more mobile (i.e., ride share programs, homebound delivery services);

• helping children and families with housing insecurity (i.e., house weatherization, housing updates); and

• increasing self-sufficiency and independence through financial security (i.e., promote literacy, financial literacy).

Eligibility requirements include striving to improve the lives of Greater Franklin County residents through their volunteer efforts. This award is open to individuals or couples that serve or reside in Franklin County, Livermore, or Livermore Falls.

The volunteer efforts must be outside of the individual’s work environment. They consistently go above and beyond to make a difference in the community, and through their signature efforts they stand out.

LaGrange’s commitment to serving others was lifelong. His passion for helping people with energy conservation fueled his career with Maine Community Action agencies, including building and repairing homes, facilitating fuel assistance programs, conducting energy audits and teaching home buyer education. He was often asked to go the extra step to help a homeowner, and this he willingly did, often on his own time.

To fill out a nomination form and see a list of past recipients, visit uwtva.org. More than one nomination can be filled out.

For more information about United Way, visit its website, call the office at 207-778-5048, or stop by the office at 218 Fairbanks Road in Farmington.

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