Daniel Atkins, a Brunswick man who has volunteered countless hours during the last two years to recognize and thank healthcare workers for their tireless efforts throughout the pandemic is being honored for his service to the community by the Rotary Club of Brunswick.

During a special ceremony on May 17 at Midcoast Hospital’s Healing Garden, the Rotary Club will present Atkins with its prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award. The ceremony is open to members of all local Rotary Clubs.

The club’s Board of Directors voted to recognize Atkins with a Paul Harris Fellow award, which is presented to those who exemplify the Rotary’s dedication to service in local communities and around the globe.

“We are delighted to present this special Paul Harris Fellow Award to Daniel. He has been extraordinarily supportive of our local healthcare workers,” said Fred Horch, Rotary Club president.

Since March 2020, when the region was just seeing its first cases of COVID-19, Atkins has been greeting healthcare workers with large colorfully decorated signs by standing along Medical Center Drive in Brunswick, the entrance to Mid Coast Hospital. He has created nearly 100 signs with messages like “One Hope, Many Hand” and “Stay Positive, Stay Strong.”

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition typically acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation, Rotary International’s fund for supporting local and international projects. Rotary members can also nominate a friend or family member or community member.

For information on joining the Rotary Club of Brunswick, visit brunswickmainerotary.org.