By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Kat Harju sat down at a table at the 2023 Maine Parks and Recreation Association annual awards dinner Monday night, she thought she was in the wrong place.

She had joined Bridgton Rec Director Gary Colello and Deputy Director Leslie Hayes.

“I thought I was coming to the conference to learn about some programming for next summer and attend some DEI workshops,” Harju said. “I actually thought we sat at the wrong table because it said ‘Reserved for Citizen Volunteer of the Year.’”

What Harju didn’t know was Colello had nominated his long-time volunteer for the honor. Harju was recipient of the award, and honored at the Association’s dinner in Rockland. 

“I was shocked.  Gary and Leslie did a great job of keeping it under wraps,” Harju said. “Volunteerism is important because the kids are important. Growing up, it seemed like every adult I knew was a volunteer coach — the local dentist, my doctor, my friend’s mom, my dad. They all created an environment letting kids know they were important and valued. I want to be a part of that environment today.”

Harju had such “great experiences” with Bridgton Recreation when she was in elementary school that it spurred her to give back to the community as an adult.

“Being able to be a part of recreation experiences for kids for the past 12 years has been truly special,” she said. “But, the absolute best part is seeing kids I have coached (including my own children) pick up a whistle and give back to the sports they love and their community, as well.” 

Harju is a Day Treatment Support Technician in SAD 61. She serves as co-advisor for the Lake Region High School Class of 2025 and as president of the Lake Region Athletic Boosters.

She includes Robert Frost’s quote, “I never feel more at home then at a ball game,” as part of her e-mail signature.

In his introduction to those in attendance at the Maine Parks and Recreation Association annual awards dinner, Colello said, “In a day and age where time is a precious commodity and a person chooses to volunteer, it is important to find the opportunities to appreciate them. When you volunteer, you are making a commitment to share that most precious of resources – your time – to make life better for those who are in need. I have seen Kat impact hundreds of community members, young and old, over the course of my 10 years in Bridgton. Whether it was volunteering for our athletic events, parades, town events, or enrichment programming, you knew you could count on Kat to be there. The impact you have created for the Bridgton community is seen throughout each and every event and program, and the fact that you are willing to share your time and talents to lend a helping hand, makes the greatest difference to our community.”

Colello noted that along with her time spent volunteering for the Bridgton Recreation Department, Kat can be found helping the Sebago and Naples Rec Departments, coaching both rec and middle school sports teams. Kat is also an avid supporter and raises money for March of Dimes, and MS research.

“On top of all of that, if that isn’t enough, she is also the Boosters President for Lake Region High School where she can be found at nearly every athletic contest,” he said. “I know that you choose to volunteer selflessly and without expectation of being recognized or rewarded, but today we celebrate you. Words cannot adequately express the gratitude that I, the Bridgton community and staff of the Bridgton Recreation Department have for all of your dedication. Please know that your volunteerism is recognized, appreciated, valued and cherished.”

He added, “I look forward to many more years of ridiculous out of box program ideas and all of the go big or go home request that you and Leslie so very often bring to my office. I will always give you my best Ron Swanson facial expressions when you do. But now, just like Ron Swanson, you can claim this: ‘Everything you do has the attitude of an award winner, because you are now an award winner.’ I am so excited, honored, and proud to announce the Maine Recreation and Parks Volunteer of the Year is Kat Harju.”