Amesbury’s The Provident Bank and The Legends AM 1450 WNBP have teamed up to present the local legends award, which will recognize individuals who have made a difference in the community.

Suggestions for recipients from seacoast New Hampshire or the greater Newburyport and Amesbury communities are welcome and may be emailed to: legends@theprovidentbank.com. Monthly recipients will receive a commemorative award and will be interviewed on the radio station.

"We are so fortunate to live in communities where giving back is a high priority for many people," says Charlie Cullen, president and CEO of The Provident Bank. "We also realize there are many citizens doing amazing work for the betterment of our community and for others whose efforts go under the radar of the broader public. This award is designed to show our appreciation for their accomplishments."

"Local Legends Award recipients give their time and resources unselfishly to help others and make our communities better places," said WNBP Managing Partner Carl Strube. "Because these individuals do not seek out or expect attention is all the more reason to formally recognize them and give them some of the credit they deserve."

The first Local Legends Award recipient is Geordie Vining, a Newburyport resident and senior project manager in the city of Newburyport’s Office of Planning and Development. For more than 10 years, he has overseen dozens of community improvement projects, serving as not only as a manager but also as a strategist, fundraiser, mediator, conservationist, curator and more. He is a consensus builder and adept at addressing concerns of residents, city and state organizations, and private and public entities.

"Geordie’s love for Newburyport is evident in everything he does which makes him the ideal recipient for the Local Legends award," said Cullen. "On behalf of The Provident Bank and WNBP, we thank Geordie for his dedication to making Newburyport one of the most beautiful, welcoming and walkable cities in all of New England."