Hutchins honored for caring about Fryeburg

Named one of 6 Who Care by WCSH Channel 6

It's been a year to remember for Tommy Hutchins. The Stuart Street resident has been recognized as a distinguished alumni by Fryeburg Academy and just this week was selected by WCSH Channel 6, of Portland, for a 6 Who Care award, given each year to outstanding community volunteers.On Tuesday, News Center 6 anchors Cindy Williams and Pat Callaghan will host a one-hour segment on this year's award winners at 8 p.m. "6 Who Care treats viewers to some truly exceptional people men and women from throughout Maine who make a difference in the lives of others." "It's a great honor, one I'll always cherish," Hutchins said by phone Friday afternoon. "I really still can't believe it. It's something else, it's marvelous."Channel 6 described his work: "Thomas Hutchins has a sincere love for the town of Fryeburg. Tommy joined the Fryeburg Fire Department in 1946, following his return from World War II. Since then, he has devoted tremendous time and leadership to this vital civic service. Other organizations he has served include the Fryeburg Police Department and Fryeburg Rescue, Saco Valley Fire Association, the American Legion, Lions, Masons, and Shriners, the Fryeburg Historical Society, Town Budget Committee, and more. He frequently takes neighbors in need to do their shopping, go to the doctor, or helps them out around the house. As a member of the Honor Roll Committee, he makes sure that flags are placed at the graves of veterans in the town cemeteries each Memorial Day. He is devoted to making sure that those who have served are remembered."Hutchins laughs when he recalls joining the fire department. "Gay Kiesman and I joined in May of 1946 and Colis Watson, who later became the chief, joined a month after us. We still call him the rookie."A former town fire chief, John Barry, nominated Hutchins for the award. "I had absolutely no idea that something like this would ever happen to me," Hutchins, a member of the graduating class of 1935 from Fryeburg Academy, said. "This, and then to have been named as a distinguished guest of the alumni definitely make this a great year for me. I've been overwhelmed. It leaves me speechless every now and then." "Outside of the obvious it was easy to nominate Tommy," Barry said. "My wife (Leslie Barry) is the activities director at the nursing home and every year she's gotten the form and not nominated anyone. This year, we decided how about doing something for Tommy so we nominated him. He does so much behind the scenes like taking disabled veterans to their appointments or there was this woman in town whose home he took care off since 1955. Twice a day he would go there and feed the cat when the woman wasn't there. He'd always shovel the steps off. When it got to the point where his back and heart wouldn't let him do it any more he made sure that someone else continued to get it done that's just the type of person he is."I remember when I was the chief, and it's a volunteer department, but I couldn't fit everything into a day," he continued. "Tommy took it upon himself to take all of the pagers up to Shermans in North Conway for servicing. He was the one who picked them up and kept them at his housing, passing them out as needed. He did all of this out of his own pocket. Another thing he did was at all out meetings he made sure there was always coffee and doughnuts. For 22 years he did that all out of his own pocket that's a lot of doughnuts." Also honored with Hutchins are: Diana Abbott is a leader in Project L.O.V.E., a Wells program placing older adult volunteers in local schools to enrich childrens lives. She is also involved in the York County Child Abuse and Neglect Council, the Maine Volunteer Connection, the local library, hospital, and senior center in Wells, and the Governors Service Awards Committee. Gil Broberg, of Yarmouth, is a long-time advocate for people with disabilities. In conjunction with the Maine Chapter of the MS Society, Gil started the Regional Advocacy Program whereby Maine individuals and businesses are educated about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Gil has served as a member of the National MS Societys Program Advisory Council, as a member of the Yarmouth Planning Board, and as an independent consultant around the issue of disabilities. Peter Curran, of Westbrook, was a teacher and administrator at Westbrook High School for 31 years, during which he served as a class advisor, tennis coach, soccer coach, Athletic Director and as Principal. As a very active member of the Kiwanis Club, Peter served as advisor to the Westbrook High School Key Club for 22 years (he was recognized as Outstanding Key Club Advisor in New England in 1985). Peter was one of the founders of Mission Possible, the successful Teen Center in Westbrook. For 24 years, Bill Richards has served as loaned executive trainer for United Way of Greater Portland Capital Campaign. In this position he has inspired and mentored hundreds of Portland professionals to raise millions of dollars. Bill has also spent time mentoring children through the Junior Achievement and Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs.Helen Skowronska was born in 1918 in Germany and immigrated to the U.S. in 1949. From 1950 to 1983, Helen worked as a nurse in New Jersey and then in Bangor. Helen has been an active volunteer in the Lewiston community since 1998. She has been involved with the Lewiston Neighborhood Association, which helps the needy with legal assistance, provides after school safe centers, and street clean-up programs. Helen has also been a volunteer ESL teacher. 6 Who Care is one facet of the WCSH 6 commitment to developing and highlighting volunteer efforts in the community. Teens Who Care recognizes young people who have performed exceptional volunteer service, and through that service, stand as a model to their peers. 6 Who Care was developed by WCSH 6 in partnership with the United Way of Greater Portland and Peoples Heritage Bank.