The Bridgton Lions Club has chosen Larry Carter of the Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group (BRAG) as the “Al” Glover Nonprofit Leadership Award winner for 2022.

Carter was chosen from nine outstanding nominees submitted recently by Bridgton area nonprofit organizations.

It was said of Carter in his nomination letter that, “He has been on the BRAG Board of Directors for 14 years, usually as president, and has also served as the ‘Clerk of the Works’ at the Kendal and Anna Ham Recreational Complex. 

“From April to November one can see Larry working on the complex after the sun goes down. “He has devoted countless hours to fund raising, coordinating with contractors, seeking volunteers, recruiting numerous Cal Ripken tournaments, and involving community support.

“In a word, without his efforts and contributions the complex would not be where it is today.” 

Now retired after 31 years with the Sysco Foods sales department, Carter continues his 27-year involvement with the Sebago Long Lake Cal Ripken Baseball League, which serves seven area towns; here too, he has usually been the its president. In this connection, he is also a member of the Hall of Fame of the league and is currently the statewide and district Commissioner for the league.

His wife Lyn is also active on the BRAG board and has been instrumental in assisting in its fund-raising efforts. The Carters are parents of five children. Their daughter Laurie died of a rare heart defect, which was the incentive for the Carters to raise $50,000 for the naming of the softball field at the BRAG complex in her honor.

In a recent phone interview with Carter presently in Florida, he was asked what projects needed to be completed before the complex is turned over to the Town of Bridgton in July. He stated that finished plumbing in the lavatories of the Concession Stand needs to be done; and some commercial level electrical connections made and siding for the stand installed. It is hoped that these needs will be addressed by volunteer professionals in their respective fields.

The local Lions Club plans to present Carter with the second annual Glover award at a special dinner in his honor on May 9 at the Bridgton Community Center. Representatives of BRAG will also be invited. Carter will receive a plaque in honor of his selection and the agency will be presented a $1,000 grant for use at their discretion. — Submitted by Carl Talbot, Bridgton Lions Club.