Attachment:

TO:                 Key Municipal Officials of Member Cities, Towns & Plantations

FROM:           Christopher G. Lockwood, Executive Director

DATE:             June 21, 2011

RE:                  MMA Ethel Kelley Memorial Award – Call for Nominations

The Maine Municipal Association is pleased to offer an opportunity for you to nominate one of your own for MMA's most prestigious award. This is the 26th year the Maine Municipal Association has made the Ethel Kelley Memorial Award in the name of dedication to the cause of good local government. Ethel Kelley devoted 45 years of service to the Maine Municipal Association, from its founding in 1936, until her death in 1981. Some have described her as the "cement" that held the organization together during WWII. During those years, she served in many capacities. She held every title and did virtually every job in the organization. Ethel Kelley died in 1981 and the memorial award in her name was established in 1986.

Eligibility – Any elected or appointed municipal official, employee, or volunteer.

Criteria:

Is dedicated to the cause of good local government;

Has conscientiously served local government and made this a life time achievement for 20 years or more;

Has demonstrated the capability and willingness to “Hold the Community Together”;

Has a selfless concern for others in their community;

Has not received full recognition for their service in local government; and

Is currently serving or has retired within the past two years.

Selection Panel – A panel of three MMA Past Presidents will be asked to judge the nominees based on the criteria and supporting letters.

Nominating Process – Nominations may be made by elected and appointed officials of the member municipality. Nomination forms should be accompanied by signed, supporting letters (not to exceed five in number), which describe the Nominee's exceptional contributions to local government within the above listed criteria. Please note that persons nominated for this award in the prior year may be re-nominated this year by means of a single letter of re-nomination. The enclosed Nomination Form should be completed and returned to: Ethel Kelley Memorial Award Committee, Maine Municipal Association, 60 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330.

Deadline – Nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2011.

Presentation of Award –The Ethel Kelley Memorial Award will be presented to the successful recipient on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the MMA Awards Luncheon being held during the MMA Annual Convention at the Augusta Civic Center. If your nominee is selected, MMA staff will be in touch with the town/city key municipal official to make arrangements for family and friends of the recipient to be present at the Awards Luncheon. It is our hope that the recipient will remain anonymous until the day of the award presentation.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact my assistant, Theresa Chavarie, Manager of Member Relations & Executive Office, at (800) 452-8786 or in the Augusta area at 623-8428 ext. 2211, or by e-mail at tchavarie@memun.org. Thank you.

Ethel Kelley Award Nomination Form