FARMINGTON – Richard and Judith Bjorn received the 5th annual Farmington Gem Award, which honors those Farmington residents who make major contributions in the local community.
The award, sponsored by Cindy and Ron Gelinas of Mainestone Jewelry, is decided through a nomination process in which residents can vote for who they would like see be recognized. Emily Floyd was honored with the award last year for her many years of community activism.
In making the announcement on Saturday evening before a Summer Fest concert at the North Church, Cindy Gelinas noted the Bjorns “were by far the leading nominees for this year’s award.”
She noted the couple’s most recent gift to the community is a new park currently under construction on the former town garage lot. Voters at the annual town meeting had suggested using the town-owned lot as a green space for an attractive entrance to town. The Bjorns stepped in soon after with an offer to make a donation to the town so the park can be built.
Last year, the construction of a new 2-story garage at the Farmington Police Department was completed after the couple made a donation for its construction. The Bjorn family contributed to the Mt. Blue Legacy Campaign for the new auditorium and stage at the Mt. Blue Learning Campus.
“The University of Maine at Farmington, Franklin Memorial Hospital, Franklin County Animal Shelter, various athletic teams, Titcomb Mountain Ski Area, Hippach Field and the Community Center, to name a few, have all benefited from their generosity,” Gelinas said.
She also noted the couple volunteer their time at various organizations. Judy Bjorn volunteers at The Pierce House, the Old South Congregational Church, and for many years at W.G. Mallett School. Richard Bjorn has served on the SAD 9 school board and the family’s Kyes Insurance Agency branches employ 45 full- or part-time employees.
“It is safe to say that no other couple in Farmington’s history has been as significant a benefactor of so many causes and we are very fortunate to have Dick and Judy Bjorn in our community,” Gelinas said.
Indeed, these folks do all these things for the community when they have the means to do anything they choose.
MANY heartfelt thanks for choosing to help our great community.
Your volunteerism is inspiration for everyone to do what they can.
THANKS!!
Congratulations Dick & Judy….well deserved..and thank you…
Thanks to Richard and Judith Bjorn.
I can’t think of a more deserving couple! Thank you so much for all you folks have done for your community!!
Congratulations to the Bjorns — you were an excellent choice to be the 2014 Farmington Gems!