2024 Citizen of the Year Award

The Citizen of the Year award recognizes individuals who selflessly give of themselves to better our community. This year’s winner of the Bowdoinham Citizen of the Year is Joanne Savoie. The Town received a substantial number of recommendations from various members of the community who have either worked with and/or have been inspired by her dedication and giving spirit.

Joanne moved to Bowdoinham in 2002, jumping in with both feet volunteering and organizing community activities. Serving as secretary for the Loose Ladies Book Club, giving herself fully to supporting the Bowdoinham Public Library, helping with the Food Pantry, serving on Not Your Mother’s Garden Club as well as on the Advisory Committee on Aging. Joanne has also overseen many community programs such as the Historical Society Covid quilt fund raiser, the Holiday Cookie Swap where she was known for dressing as a fairy to bring some humor to the bleak period surrounding the pandemic and helping with the Library Plant Sale as well as other programs.

It is said of Joanne that she gives her all to a project, is well organized, good at rounding up volunteers, publicizing events, quick to thank contributors and for sticking around till the last spec is cleaned up. She is humble and works diligently behind the scenes in many areas of the community.

One letter described her as having a “profound sense of community.” It is this unwavering sense of community that has earned Joanne this year’s Citizen of the Year Award. 

Thank you, Joanne, for all you have done for the Town of Bowdoinham. Our Town is a little better due to your diligence and concern for all our citizens and this community.