CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Al Hague has been named the Old Hallowell Day Citizen of the Year for 2012 by the Old Hallowell Day Committee. It seems most appropriate in this, Hallowell’s 250th anniversary year, to recognize a longtime citizen who also played a key role (as the Treasurer) in the city’s Bicentennial Celebration half a century ago. Al has been quietly contributing to the Hallowell community since he and his wife Joan, a Hallowell native, settled here in the 1950’s— and he hasn’t stopped since.

Over the years, Al has become a familiar face at City Hall, serving on the Hallowell Planning Board, the Business Zoning Review Board, and the Finance Committee; he also actively participated in the Comprehensive Plan rewrite and Ordinance rewrites, concomitant projects over a period of two years. Al has been a dedicated longtime volunteer at Old South Congregational Church, where the Hagues were married, and served for ten years as a member of the MSAD 16 school board.

Al is also a longtime supporter of Row House, Inc., and was instrumental in working with the historic preservation group to secure funding for the spectacular restoration of the “Old Thunder Jug” British artillery cannon which has been part of Hallowell’s history since 1839. Restored to its former glory, it stands on High Street near the Powderhouse, today.

As a member of the city’s Waterfront Advisory Committee, Al has been contributing financial and planning expertise and project management experience gained in his 35 year tenure at Key Bank. Before he retired, Al launched the ongoing effort to preserve and relocate the last known quarry crane that was discovered intact on property acquired by Key Bank near Granite Hill. Al has spent nearly a decade now, enlisting Gerry Mahoney, Harm Harvey and others to help, restoring the 37’ tall wooden crane, researching its history and planning for its future. Now that Key Bank has given it to the City of Hallowell, the crane is in storage. Nothing would please Al more than to see it permanently installed at Waterfront Park, with appropriate signage and landscaping, along with stonework to set the scene as well as provide natural seating, for residents and visitors to behold as a unique tribute to Hallowell– the “granite city”.

Wanted! Your nominations for Citizen of the Year for 2013!

Citizen of the Year Nomination for 2013

Please download the form (by clicking the link above) and mail it to the following address before the deadline of April 25, 2013. Or email the information requested to us at oldhallowellday@gmail.com. Thank you!

Old Hallowell Day Committee
PO Box 84
Hallowell, ME 04347