Carol Fritz, former town councilor, former member and chairman of the Planning Board, and member of numerous other town boards and committees, was honored Dec. 10 by the Town Council as this year's recipient of the Ralph T. Gould Citizenship Award.

Fritz was recognized for her 30 years of continuous service to town government, as well as her private efforts toward the betterment of the community.

"From 1977, she served continuously in one position or another in the local government until her decision not to run for re-election to the Cape Elizabeth Town Council one year ago," said council Chairman Paul McKenney, as he presented the award to Fritz Monday night.

From the beginning of her work with the Planning Board 30 years ago, Fritz has worked for the preservation of the natural character of Cape Elizabeth. "As a member of the Town Council from 1997 to late 2006, Carol was chairman of the Ordinance Committee for a number of years, served on a Comprehensive Planning Commission, and was very active on matters involving recycling and solid waste," McKenney said. "She was a longtime member of the board of directors of what is now ecomaine, and through her efforts, recycling was enhanced throughout Southern Maine. She advocated for properly working septic systems. She looked at the welfare of animals and was focused on the rights of dog owners to co-enjoy beaches during the off season," he said.

Fritz becomes the 20th Cape Elizabeth citizen to win the Gould Award, named for the Cape Elizabeth philanthropist. Gould himself was the first award winner.

McKenney said that the town is fortunate to have so many citizens who give so much to our community, and it is a testament to Fritz that her qualifications stand above the rest.

"As much as Carol did on the council, she was equally active in the community outside her official public positions," McKenney said. "She was a long time volunteer for the Cape Elizabeth League of Voters and helped to organize a number of candidate’s nights and issues forums. Carol served as a member of the board of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust and was involved in preservation efforts with the Land Trust. She helped to get the swap shop at what is now the Cape Elizabeth Recycling Center off the ground as part of her continuing efforts to promote recycling," he said.

She is also a co-founder of the community garden at the Gull Crest property off of Spurwink Avenue. "She always strongly encouraged the conservation of land and during her tenure on the Town Council, the Gull Crest property was purchased and an easement was placed on much of the old poor farm," McKenney said. She sought the protection of wetlands, and always supported every effort to improve and build the town's greenbelt.

Currently Fritz is a member of the Spurwink Meeting House Preservation Committee. "Example after example could be cited of what Carol Fritz has done for the community," McKenney said.

Prior to the council meeting, a reception was held for Fritz where friends congratulated her on her award.

"It's humbling to also think about all of the other people who have received this award, who have done so much for the community," Fritz told members of the Town Council. "One thing about serving on all of the committees and boards is all the people you have an opportunity to work with, who care just as much about the community as well," she said.

McKenney said the Town currently has 16 boards, commissions and ad hoc committees utilizing the services of approximately 100 volunteers. "Carol is one of those people who really stands out as a truly outstanding contributor," he said.