Voting for the people nominated in the annual Leader Great Person Award is underway. 

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 Leader 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:

   Russ Burleigh, was nominated by Sylvia Most. Here’s what Most had to say about the nomination: I would like to nominate Russ Burleigh, Scarborough resident and owner of Brown Fox Printing. Russ is generous and helpful with local organizations. As an example, he donated many hours and resources to the 350th celebration that took place this past summer. His office is filled with thank you letters from organizations who have benefited from his contributions. I have worked with Russ on many projects and feel that he is an ideal person for your Great Person Award.

  Burleigh was also nominated by Karen Vachon. Here’s what Vachon had to say: I would like to nominate Russ Burleigh, Scarborough resident and owner of Brown Fox Printing. Russ is a generous and kind class act who enjoys people and life. Each year he presents a holiday talk, to numerous groups and organizations around town - and each year it is a different theme. Some that stick out in my mind include: The origin of Santa Claus, the history of Christmas Carols. Each year, groups look forward to Russ’ talk. Indeed, he knows how to spread good cheer - whether you’re fundraising for a local organization, looking for graphic and printing expertise (along with discounts and in-kind donations), Russ is always willing and engaged to help. This past year especially, with the 350th celebration, committee members would have been lost without the support from our good friend, Russ.

   Mary Jo Marquis was nominated by Susan Morrison. Morrison said, “Mary Jo is a Scarborough native who has worked tirelessly to establish a center where all members of our community, especially our children, can experience and learn many facets of the Arts and Sciences. She founded Fiddlehead Center for the Arts - Scarborough, which I believe enriches our community.

   Elisa Boxer-Cook was nominated by Doug Boxer-Cook. He nominated her for “Her tireless efforts to keep children and their families safe from dangerous chemicals by way of helping to pass legislation and by never passing up the opportunity to educate people so that they and their families may be healthier. She does it with selfless love and compassion.”

Eddie Woodin, was nominated by Sam Kelley. Kelley said, “I have had the honor over the last several years to meet and see what this fine gentleman has done for our local and worldwide community. Eddie has built a fine company that does business around the country. He could have bought yachts and multiple homes. But he chose to give back most of his money to his fellow man. He has given hundreds  of thousands back to groups like Project GRACE, Friends of Scarborough Marsh, Scarborough Community Service , Maine Audobon and many, many more. On top of those he has sent much of his wealth to the poor parts of the world

   And he has done this all in a very humble and modest way. He is truly a really “Great Person” who has significantly improved the lives of many in our community and around the world.