HOPE’s Schneider, Mount’s Terceiro spotlighted at Chamber Awards Dinner

By Owen Boss

GARDNER — The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Awards Recognition Dinner at the Colonial Hotel Wednesday gave citizens the opportunity to honor both businesses and individuals throughout the region that through service, had a positive effect on the community as a whole. Chamber President Mike Ellis initiated the banquet, and said that he was proud to be affiliated with so many extraordinary businesses, and that the event was arranged to recognize how so many people in the Gardner area had selflessly devoted themselves to the betterment of the community as a whole. “We are all here tonight to celebrate the achievements of the many magnificent individuals that have worked in our area,” said Mr. Ellis. “These people have all done so much to alleviate the problems that we face as a society.” Among the recipients of awards at the ceremony was Maxyne Schneider, executive director of the House of Peace and Education, whom the chamber honored as Citizen of the Year. Ms. Schneider said that the recognition was an honor, but none of her accomplishments would have been possible without the additional support of the surrounding community. “You may have called me Gardner Citizen of the Year, but it’s only because so many other citizens have made me look good,” said Ms. Schneider. “Everywhere we went we encountered enthusiastic encouragement and gracious help, and that has never stopped. We were literally immersed in a sea of good citizens who cared deeply about the citizens of our region.” Ms. Scheider added that with the amount of support she’s seen over the years, organizations such as HOPE cannot help but flourish in the Gardner area. Also receiving a special recognition was Mount Wachusett Community College’s Ed Terceiro, who was honored with the Leadership Recognition award for his involvement with the college’s continue efforts focused on sustainability, energy conservation, renewable energy, co-generation and carbon dioxide reduction. Mr. Terceiro said that he had to thank officials at the college for endorsing his ideas. “In accepting this award I have to thank President Dan Asquino and many others at the college,” said Mr. Terceiro. “Many of the things we have done over the years have taken a quantum leap of faith, and I thank you for that.” Also receiving awards at the banquet were John’s Sport Shop and Meridian Gymnastics & Preschool for Businesses of the Year, Patricia Jandris and Dana Vickery for Community Service, Jumpin’ Juice & Java for Community Improvement, W.E. Aubuchon Co. Inc. for their 100th Anniversary, and the town of Westminster was given the Municipal Recognition award. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 5/8/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 110)