Duane Hicks
With the deadline for applications coming up at the end of next week (Oct. 30), the clock is ticking to nominate someone for the honor of being the town’s 22nd “Citizen of the Year.”
Town staffer Lori Pattison said this morning that no applications had been turned in at the Civic Centre so far, but noted “quite a few applications” have been picked up from there or sent out to people who called and requested them.
Anyone who has taken on charitable fundraising, organized community events, or just lent a helping hand is eligible to receive the award if they are nominated by a fellow resident by Friday, Oct. 30.
The only stipulation is that the recipient be a resident of the Town of Fort Frances, and that the nominee not presently hold elected office.
Nomination forms can be picked up at the information desk at the Civic Centre.
The selection committee, which consists of Bill Gushulak (“Citizen of the Year 2000”), Mark Kowalchuk (“Citizen of the Year 1994”), and Couns. Andrew Hallikas and Sharon Tibbs, encourages as many people as possible to nominate individuals so they have plenty of candidates to choose from.
People who may have submitted nominations for individuals in the past, but who were not chosen that particular year, should feel free to re-nominate that person as long they still are an active member of the community.
After all, at any given time, there are many citizens who help make Fort Frances a better place to live.
Completed nomination forms must be returned to the Civic Centre by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30.
The selection committee then will meet in order to make a recommendation to town council prior to the town’s annual appreciation banquet on Nov. 20, at which time the “Citizen of the Year” will be formally honoured.
The identities of the nominees will not be revealed; only the winner will be publicly announced.
Last year’s honouree was Linda Hamilton.
Other previous recipients include Dr. Robert Lidkea (2007), June Keddie (2006), Patti-Jo Reid (2005), Joyce Gosselin (2004), John Dutton (2003), Jean and Lin Boileau (2002), John McTaggart (2001), and Jim Cumming (1999).
Rounding out the recipients are Walter Horban (1998), Terry Ogden (1997), Gordon McTaggart (1996), Pastor Earl Swanson (1995), Dr. Audrey Johnstone (1993), George Wood (1992), Jean Scheirer (1991), Florence and Woody Gray (1990), Albert McKelvie (1989), and Dede Mallory (1988).
For more information, call Gushulak (274-3891) or Kowalchuk (274-9118).
