REM Award Honorees (2010 – 2011) — Carl Daiker (Kotlas Connection)

Currently the Kotlas Connection’s treasurer, Carl Daiker served four years as co-chair of the organization. He actively participates in organizing and implementing the visits of the various delegations from Kotlas. Most recently he assisted in hosting guests for the twentieth anniversary of the sister city connection.

Carl has been to Kotlas twice. His second visit was in 2009 when he accompanied a group which included four students and two teachers from Erskine Academy. Carl can be found in the foreground of the many Kotlas Connection activities and for his service certainly deserves the honor of Volunteer of the Year.

Carl grew up in Rutherford, NJ. He graduated with a BA from Rutgers University and received a Master of Science degree in Town and Regional Planning from Iowa State University in Ames. Most of his working years were spent as the transit coordinator in the Orange County (NY) Department of Planning. Upon his retirement in 2004, he moved to Waterville.

Carl quickly became involved in volunteer activities in the Waterville area. He is a board member of REM, serves on the Board of Trustees of the First Congregational Church in Waterville, and volunteers with AARP Maine. He also writes an information bulletin for the Kennebec Retired Educators Association, of which he is an associate member.

Carl lives with the Kotlas Connection’s 2005 honoree, Phil Gonyar. Among their other interests, Carl and Phil are ardent world travelers. They have recently visited Egypt, Jordan, China, Eastern Europe, Peru, Tunisia, and Italy. Speaking to local groups about their experiences is another favorite activity. In addition to traveling, Carl enjoys being an amateur photographer and collecting miniature die-cast vehicles, particularly buses and airplanes.

To learn more about the Kotlas Connection, please visit its website.