Scouts from Kennebec Valley District honor healthcare workers

Tue, 05/24/2022 - 12:45pm
Roger Pomerleau presents the Distinguished Leadership Award to Chuck Hayes for all healthcare workers. (Photo courtesy Chuck Mahaleris)
During the event, Scouts - including Mack Demers seen here of Augusta Cub Scout Pack 603 - leaders and healthcare workers took part in a Pinewood Derby which is a traditional Cub Scout event. Prizes were awarded to the runners of the fastest cars. Mack is the son of Josh and Tiffany Demers of Windsor. (Photo courtesy Chuck Mahaleris)
Chuck Hayes of MaineGeneral addresses the audience to thank the Scouts and share his appreciation to all of those who have struggled during the pandemic. (Photo courtesy Chuck Mahaleris)
Pine Tree Scout Executive Matt Klutzaritz said that Maine's healthcare workers have lived up to the Scouting Motto "Be Prepared" and the part of the Scout Oath that encourages Scouts to "Help Other People at All Times." (Photo courtesy Chuck Mahaleris)

AUGUSTA — Since the Coronavirus pandemic began in 2020, Maine has recorded 259,058 cases of COVID-19 and sadly 2,343 deaths. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers have been on the frontline of the fight even as another variant has brought a new surge of cases to our state. The Scouts of Kennebec Valley District recently showed their appreciation to the healthcare workers during the annual Distinguished Leadership Reception. 

Kennebec Valley District – which is part of Pine Tree Council and serves youth in Kennebec, Somerset, Franklin, Lincoln and Knox Counties – annually recognizes a business or other leader for their "Good Deeds" to the community. This year, the Scouts honored the employees of MaineGeneral and all those who work to keep us healthy. 

Event Chairman Roger Pomerleau presented the award to Chuck Hayes, president and CEO of MaineGeneral Health, during the event at the Augusta Armory on May 18.

"Courage, dedication, determination, sacrifice, empathy, loyalty are just some of the words that describe the health care workers of Kennebec Valley," Pomerleau said from the stage, which was turned into a campsite with tents, chairs and a fire pit. "It took tremendous teamwork at every job at every level in healthcare delivery to meet the unprecedented demands of the pandemic. Tonight, the Scouts want to say thanks and declare that we never want to take your efforts for granted. The residents of the Kennebec Valley area are privileged to have such a quality of healthcare provided by such a dedicated workforce."

During the evening, staff from MaineGeneral and other medical providers joined Scouts and Scouters to race Pinewood Derby cars and share fellowship over dinner that had been prepared by area Scouting volunteers led by Tammy Smith of Winthrop and Joe Poulin of Oakland.

"It is fitting for a program like Scouting, which ‘builds’ leaders, to celebrate the leaders of our community," said Pine Tree Council Scout Executive Matt Klutzaritz. "The opportunity to celebrate the return of this event, which had been on hold during the pandemic, and honor those community leaders who worked so tirelessly throughout an unprecedented event, is truly a reason to celebrate."

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