Voting for the people nominated in the annual Sentry Great Person Award begins today. 

To vote, please use the ballot printed in this week's edition. We ask that each person votes no more than once, but that a ballot can be used for more than one person. For example, if you have four people in your household, they can all vote – just note it on your ballot, with an individual signature indicating each person. 

Voting needs to be done with the official ballot and may be sent to or delivered to our office. We will not accept ballots by phone, email or fax. 

You can make photocopies of the ballot to allow more people to vote, however we hold people to the honor system that a single person can vote no more than one time. 

If you have questions, please call the Sentry office at 282-4337 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Voting will continue until Wednesday, Dec.17 at 5 p.m. The winner will be announced in the paper of Dec. 26 and will win a plaque and be asked to be the subject of the Weekly Interview. They will also know that a lot of people appreciate all they contribute to the community.

Here are the nominees (and an impressive list it is):

   South Portland resident Marshall (Jack) Gibson, was nominated by Ian Riddell. Here’s what Riddell had to say about Gibson: Not only did Jack donate a fortune to create the Gibson Pavilion for cancer treatment at Maine Medical Center, he continues to visit the unit every Sunday morning with shortbread for the patients (I am his neighbor and see him going every weekend without fail).  He has created “Granny Kirkwood’s Shortbread” bakery with 100 percent of the profits going to supporting the unit. He did this in order to have a continuous revenue stream that will go on into the future.

Dorothy Cleveland, was nominated by John Gailey. Gailey nominated Cleveland for her “unselfish dedication to Meals on Wheels at Peoples Methodist Church.

Lorraine (Jiny) Colby, was nominated by Gloria Kierstead, who nominated Colby  because, “She is always there to help no matter what the situation may be. She is the best neighbor I could ever have.”

Jeff Inman was nominated by Heidi Brilhante: “Jeff is an exemplary member of our community. He leads through his volunteerism and work with families at Hobbs Funeral Home.”

Kathryn DiPhilippo was nominated by Cora Simpson: “She does an excellent job at researching much of the history of South Portland. We are so very fortunate to have her. Many thanks!” 

Linda England was nominated by Donna De Paolo: “Linda is a devoted volunteer to Mercy Hospital.”

Ruth Morrison, pastor of the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church and resident of Cape Elizabeth was nominated by Mark Braun. He said, “She is a humble inspiration to all of us, full of creativity, energy and dedication. She asks us to bring out the best in each other and she brings out the best in us. Advocate for pease.”

Barbara Sullivan and Patrick Yaber, both of South Portland, were nominated by Jennifer Betters and the Place/Betters families. They said, “Our family would like to thank and nominate Barbara Sullivan and Patrick Yaber for starting CPR while the South Portland Police, Rescue and Fire were in route.  The team of doctors, nurses and so many others on the ninth floor of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.  All of these people are heroes! Every one of these people have given us a chance to make more memories and share old [memories] with our dad, husband and grandfather, Phil Place. We can not say thank you enough!”

Ben Raymond of Cape Elizabeth was nominated by Caroline Raymond. She said, “Ben is an amazing hardworking guy that puts everyone else first, he teaches special education, coaches three sports and delivers the newspaper every night. He is an amazing father to his two kids. He does this all to be able to do what he loves, which is coaching and to live in his home town Cape Elizabeth.” 

Pamela A. Welch of South Portland was nominated by Kevin J. Welch. He said, “Her dedication and tireless efforts in coordinating functions and fundraising as cancer chairman of the South Portland VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 832.  In her eight years as chairman, Pam has raised tens of thousands of dollars which all remains in the state of Maine for cancer research.”

Cindy Fletcher of South Portland was nominated by Mike Fletcher. He said, “Cindy works tirelessly all year as a pulmonary RN, working with children with asthma and Cystic Fibrosis. She conducts training sessions in the schools to help staff in supporting children with these illnesses. After work, she works year round with the South Portland Music Boosters. She has been the VP of special events for the past two years and works continually for the music students of the South Portland schools. She is always there to see that all events are taken care of - organizing the food, the volunteer lists, the needs of incoming groups; she makes sure that every person involved, whether student or parent, is recognized for what they all contribute. She gives 100 percent to all activities no matter how small (providing info at a concert) or how big (coordinating a trip for 85 South Portland band members to go play at Disney in February 2009).

  Cindy is a great person who makes everyone feel appreciated. When not being a nurse or a music booster organizer, she is a wonderful wife and mom.”

Janet Meageles was nominated by Leigh Ann Higgins and John E. Schultzel. They said, “She is the director and head teacher at the World of Wonders Nursery School where I currently have two of my three children enrolled. Janet is a kind, giving soul who positively impacts all those around her.  All of her students thrive in her company.  I am certain that all of her students will grow to be confident and compassionate individuals that will give back to our community for years to come.  We are thankful for Janet Mageles.  Please consider her for your award.” 

Jane and Steve Filieo of South Portland were nominated by James and Carol Allen: : “They both have been involved for several years in the high school plays here in South Portland, I’m sure they have given the community many pleasurable hours over the years and we feel they deserve recognition.” 

Cape Elizabeth resident Bob Bauman was nominated by his mother0in-law Dorothy Leavis because :Bob is helpful and kind to everyone and very good to me, his mother-in-law.”