2023 York Region Award Recipients

York Region Chamber of Commerce Announces the
2023 Businesses, Volunteers & Citizens of the Year!
Kittery, Eliot, South Berwick & York

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the York Region Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 2023 award recipients from all four of the towns that we service. The event took place from 5:00-7:00 pm at Cliff House Maine located in Cape Neddick. The Cliff House staff went above and beyond providing a beautiful function room and refreshments for the more than 160 attendees. A special thanks to Cliff House Maine!
In 2022 the chamber of commerce began recognizing businesses, volunteers and citizens who go above and beyond in all four of the communities included in the York Region. It is our pleasure to continue this award presentation for many years to come. Nominations are submitted by members of each community and compiled all throughout the year at the chamber of commerce. Award recipients are chosen in November by the York Region Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and celebrated in March of the following year. Award nomination forms can be found on our website, www.gatewaytomaine.org.
We take great pride in presenting you with the 2023 award recipients!
2023 York Region Businesses of the Year -This award recognizes notable entrepreneurial and business accomplishments. This award is for a business that contributes to and promotes the economic growth, stability, and improvement of the area which the York Region Chamber serves. And gives generously of themselves and/or staff in time and resources to the local community. The following businesses certainly fit the criteria required to be nominated for 2023 Business of the Year.
Kittery – Maine Meat Butchery. Maine Meat is a whole animal butchery owned by Jarrod Spangler that provides a consistent outlet for farmers who need to move products regularly to continue to thrive. In turn, Maine Meat will also eliminate the bottleneck that occurs between producers and consumers by offering Seacoast residents the convenience of a storefront with regular business hours. Jarrod Spangler is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in kitchens from Boston to San Francisco.
Eliot – Maine Market. Hannah & Jordan Makuck, owners have taken this landmark business in the center of the Eliot Village and brought it back to life in a manner that is incredibly positive for the community. Through hard work and during a very uncertain time for the restaurant business they purchased, renovated, and worked tirelessly to serve lunch and breakfast fare to the people of Eliot and beyond. Their confidence and investment in the Town of Eliot is appreciated, as is their involvement.
South Berwick – Aubrey’s Coffee House & Bakery If you haven’t been to one of South Berwick’s newest businesses, Aubrey’s Coffee House & Bakery, you’re missing a “treat and a delight”. Aubrey Blanchette opened the doors of Aubrey’s March 2020 at the age of 22. Located in Punkintown, off Route 236, across from the entrance of Marshwood High School – it’s a prime location for anyone. Nestled in the new business park, Aubrey’s environment is relaxing, yet buzzing with community – an environment she is proud to foster. Friends, families, the working community all enjoy gathering there. Offering great bakery foods, coffee, and other beverages, as well as a salad bar for lunch – makes this place a haven for many.
York – ViewPoint Hotel – Co-owner couple Joe and Michelle Lipton have lived in York for over 40 years. They partnered with Chris Crane to reinvigorate Nubble Point’s first-ever hotel the ViewPoint and ensure ownership would stay local. You’ll find them on-site every day working along with the team. The Viewpoint is a little seaside quiet spot where you can stay, eat and drink located in a seasonally buzzing beach town dedicated to protecting the natural landscape. You won’t find a more beautiful view of the Nubble Light! Joe has been involved with the success of several York Beach businesses and has been a loyal member of the York Region Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years. Joe volunteered many hours of his time as a member of the York Beach Renaissance Committee which was dedicated to the revitalization of the beach community. Joe, Michelle, and the entire ViewPoint staff work tirelessly to offer guests a memorable and picturesque stay on York Beach. We thank you all for your dedication to keeping York Beach historic and beautiful!

2023 York Region Volunteers are essential for many non-profit organizations!
Generous with their time and talents, volunteers bring light and life to many incredible charitable/non-profit organizations and community endeavors. The York Region Chamber of Commerce takes pride in recognizing these individuals for their valuable contributions to our local non-profits and the community.
Kittery – Mainspring Collective Board
Eliot – Nedra Sahr
South Berwick – David Stansfield
York – Rich Goodenough

Kittery – Mainspring Collective Board – The Mainspring Champaign Steering Committee has been coordinating fundraising for the Mainspring project, which will bring Fair Tide and the Footprints Food Pantry under one roof. But the project scope is far beyond that. It will become a single point of contact for those needing service in one location. No more long drives to Sanford, if a car is available, or long wait times on the phone, only to have minutes expire. Footprints will have a market-model food pantry with the capacity to prepare meals, too. Fair Tide will have its affordable housing programs, case management services, the thrift stores in one place. The larger vision brings together critical support services critical to serving the whole person and the family: public assistance services from the towns of Eliot and Kittery; services from York County Community Action; veteran’s services; home heating fuel assistance; and more.
While the innovators behind this project are Fair Tide’s Emily Flinkstrom and Footprints’ Megan Shapiro-Ross, translating it into reality – raising the money – has been in the hands of the Mainspring Campaign Steering Committee. The committee combines board members from Fair Tide and Footprints and residents from Kittery, Eliot, and the Seacoast. Their efforts to date are now very close to realizing the project goal. The efforts of these busy civic leaders will benefit many in Kittery and Eliot, providing necessary support and opportunity, and it will surely serve as a model elsewhere.
Eliot – Nedra Sahr-Nedra is a member of the very active Eliot Aging in Place (AIP), she also is a tireless volunteer committed to planting (and watering) flower gardens throughout Eliot, including at the beloved Boat Basin. Eliot AIP has been recognized nationally and throughout the state of Maine by AARP for their incredible work at keeping seniors engaged in the community. Nedra and other AIP members have been critical in establishing Yoga @ Town Hall and othe5r healthy activities via grants and donations. She is nationally recognized as an expert on nutrition and just a great inspiration to the community.
South Berwick – David Stansfield When one thinks of the South Berwick Food Pantry, located at 47 Ross Street, we think of the many families and individuals served, the huge benefit it is for our community, and how many people it takes to make the food pantry “hum”. We see the people who volunteer, who operate the food pantry, and the countless people who volunteer. Standing head and shoulders above them all, without fanfare, without needing accolades and recognition - is David Stansfield – a humble person, whose generosity with his time, talent and treasure lifts the South Berwick community. Dave was Instrumental in starting the food pantry with a small group of people at the First Parish Federated Church and relocated it to the current location on Ross Street, where it has been for 20 years. David is also instrumental in organizing and getting supplies and food for the Holiday Baskets (Christmas and Thanksgiving), serving 50-65 families for the holidays every year. Beyond the time Dave has put into the food pantry, he has been involved with SoBo Central since its inception; and now serves as treasurer and board member. SoBo Central is a nonprofit that “nurtures the town’s unique sense of place by connecting and engaging citizens in community life. Projects run by SoBo Central include Keep South Berwick Warm, Fun Hot Summer Nights, Home for the Holidays, Friends of Powderhouse Hill (as well as the food pantry). Dave has been a member of the First Parish Federated Church for over 50 years and has served on just about every board and committee during this time. Dave has also helped to serve meals through the Salvation Army as well.
In addition to all these efforts, Dave served on the municipal building committee, that facilitated the renovation of the Town Hall, the town garage, the community center, the fire/rescue station, and the renovation of a former church into the new library. Dave also volunteered on the capital campaign committee, working to raise $1 million for the project.
With all of Dave’s contributions and volunteerism, he is most deserving of the Volunteer of the Year Award. Thank you, Dave, for all you have done for South Berwick.

York – Rich Goodenough – The man, the myth, the legend...

From the words of Eric Walker. The number one thing I can say about Rich is that he helps everyone! People he knows, businesses he knows, and even those he doesn't know! He is the guy who will clean off your car in a snowstorm just to be a nice guy. Rich has been known to help local businesses fix their driveways on his own time with his own equipment and not look for reimbursements.
The number of hours he has put into the York Region Chamber of commerce are just countless. From fixing the lighting, fixing the flag poles, Painting signs, to helping with the Harvest Fest set up and take down. Along with countless volunteer hours as a member of the chamber board of directors. He assists with local town events in several surrounding communities including the South Berwick Strawberry Festival which he is passionate about.
As a coworker his team states that it is a pleasure to see him in action. He is amazing with his customers and fellow employees. Whenever there is an event that needs volunteers, Rich usually steps up and offers his time and does it with a great attitude! The way he goes about being part of the community is inspiring. He may not know it, but he inspires people to be better, and do better at all ends of life both personally and professionally. I could go on all night listing his volunteer efforts. In no way shape or form should Rich be referred to as “Almost Goodenough” as we like to teasingly call him. Rich is more than Goodenough and we are all very grateful to him! The Chamber of Commerce thanks you all for your time and support of the Kittery, Eliot, South Berwick, and York communities.

2023 York Region Citizens of the Year
What are the criteria one must meet to be considered the citizen of the year?
It is a dedicated, hardworking person who gives his or her time and talent for the benefit of their community. This year we are proud to present this award to four citizens who have done that and then some!

Kittery – George Dow IV
Eliot – Gene Wypyski
South Berwick – Dan Boyle
York – Todd Frederick

Kittery – George Dow – From the words of Kittery resident Judy Spiller - George is the epitome of citizen involvement and community service. His considerable leadership skills resulted in the adaptive reuse of the Frisbee School into the Kittery Community Center, realized Kittery Recreation’s dream, and joining that with arts and community space. Similarly, he provided a steading hand as the Rice Library Board of Trustees agreed to the Rice Library becoming a Town department which led to rehabilitation of the Rice Building and construction of an addition. George served on the Town Council during a very turbulent period, his final year as chair, when both the Town Manager and Police Chief resigned. The following fall, he lost re-election by one vote. His commitment to the Town remained undeterred as he continued to focus his efforts on strengthening the community. He was recruited to run for Council again in 2019 and focused his efforts on economic development issues and the library project. More informally he was a consistent and forceful advocate for social justice in all Town endeavors.

Eliot – Gene Wypyski- From the words of Town Manager Michael Sullivan, Gene is a tireless advocate for the Town of Eliot. He is involved as a volunteer promoting and organizing the Eliot Festival Days Road Race and the Festival as whole. He serves as an elected official on the Eliot Budget Committee. He supports several charities in a very quiet, but important manner. Eliot is very fortunate to have such a dedicated citizen.
South Berwick – Dan Boyle whose name is well-known in South Berwick. Dan is the epitome of what it is to be a truly engaged, involved, and committed “citizen”. From serving for over 20 years on the Historic District Commission, serving many years as its Chair; to serving on the Board at SoBo Central for 8 years, on the Recreation Committee for 10 years, to being a vital part of the Powderhouse Hill Crew for 15 years – most recently as Powderhouse Hill President for the past 5 years. That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Dan’s commitment and involvement in South Berwick. He is also an active member of so many organizations, that makes him a great resource for collaborative partnerships and opportunities for groups to align with their common values of serving the public and community. Dan’s perspective is invaluable, and his genuine interest in helping where needed is a gift to South Berwick.
York – Todd Frederick- Todd is a citizen who is involved in many aspects of the York community. Todd served on the Town of York Conservation Commission from 2006-2007., Town Charter Commission from 2010-2012, the York Planning Board from 2007-2014 and the Town of York Select Board from 2015 – the present. Todd was chosen as the 2023 Citizen of the Year because of his unwavering dedication to serving the Town of York and his relentless support of our Veterans and First Responders. Todd is always quick to get involved while at the same time slow to take credit for successes. His positive never say “no” attitude is embraced. York is fortunate to have a citizen with this type of dedication.