BANGOR – The Maine chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society honored several individuals and businesses from the Bangor area at the annual meeting recently in Portland.

. Gail Kelly received the Alida Camp Memorial Award, established in 1999 to honor an individual who parallels the actions of Alida Camp – an active volunteer who combined boundless energy with a willingness to do whatever was necessary to expand the MS Society’s mission.

Kelly’s support of the mission of the National MS Society dates back many years. Her connection began when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She is a board member, committee volunteer and SAG Crew Chief at the MS 150 Bike to the Breakwater. Her position as mayor of Brewer and representative for U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe has allowed her to be a positive role model in the community and for the National MS Society.

. Gary Page was presented the Hope Award for working to further the hope of those who have MS. It is the highest award presented to a volunteer. Officials said that Page has consistently and reliably volunteered two days a week since the fall of 2000 for the MS Outreach Office.

He has brought years of experience and knowledge as a former supervisor for Vocational Rehabilitation, working with employment, disability, Social Security and insurance issues. He teaches others how to advocate for themselves.

. Dana Tardiff received the George B. Maltby Memorial Award, named for a key volunteer who began his involvement with the MS Society in 1954. The award is presented to a health professional for work with MS clients.

Through Dana Tardiff’s physical therapy and balance clinic in Hampden, the Maine Chapter has been able to offer a number of free clinics for more than three years. Attendees from as far away as Lincoln and Calais have found his suggestions helpful and creative.

. Dead River Co. was given the Corporate Award, given to a corporation that has demonstrated outstanding commitment and support to the National MS Society. Dead River has been an exceptional financial supporter of the MS Walk since 1998, and has supported MS events with mugs or water bottles to distribute to the walkers. Every year the company sends a crew to the South Portland Walk to man the Fort Williams Rest Stop.

In 2002, Dead River Co. expanded its support by becoming a corporate sponsor for the MS Tugboat Muster in Portland Harbor.

. Webber Oil received the Special Recognition Award for continuous outstanding support of the MS Society. In making the nomination, programs coordinator K Sawyer said, “Ray Cota and other employees have gone way beyond what a landlord has to provide for a renter. When we found the rent too high, he offered to donate back a portion.

“They have allowed us to be a part of the remodeling decisions, thus ensuring adherence to ADA standards,” she added. “We would not have the wonderful office and opportunity to serve as many clients were it not for Webber Oil.”

. John MacKay received the Special Recognition Award as one of the MS Society’s “quiet heroes” in the Bangor area. He is the owner of Mac-Lin Inc., sellers of durable medical equipment. MacKay has been in charge of the Maine Chapter’s Bangor Loan Closet for many years.

Sawyer said, “John has taken it upon himself to deliver needed equipment to our clients in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, Hancock and even Washington County, whenever he can. He picks up donated equipment as well. He often spends hours repairing what is donated. Clients tell us that when the Loan Closet is empty of what is needed, he will give them what they need from his business. We are lucky to have him as a valuable supporter of the MS Society.”