By Julie McCay Turner
One of Bedford’s best-loved traditions is the long-standing and closely-held custom of annually honoring a resident who has made a significant contribution to the life of our community as Citizen of the Year.
The community is invited to submit nominations by Friday August 1 to identify that individual who embodies the best of Bedford as Citizen of the Year for 2014.
The nominations are evaluated by a select committee that operates very much under the radar. Assistant Town Manager Jessica Porter noted that she serves as liaison to the committee but does not vote in their deliberations.
Porter stressed that the honor of Citizen of the Year is not a popularity contest, but rather an acknowledgement of service to the Town.
“It’s altogether possible that someone who has only lived in town a short time but is invested in making a difference in our community could make an important impact,” said Porter, opening the possibility that anyone can effect the kind of town-wide impact that the position honors. “Nominations needn’t be limited,” she said, “to senior citizens, or long-term residents.”
Since Lou Smith was named in 1979, honorees have included Ralph Hammond, the 2013 Citizen of the Year, along with Bobbie Ennis, 2012; Don Marshall, 2011; Bob Slechta, 2010; Joe Piantedosi, 2009; Mary Narcisi, 2008; John Filios, 2007; Robert Mead, 2006; John Brown, 2005; Judith McConnell, 2004; Nick Genetti, 2003; Don Corey, 2002; James Shea, 2001; Nancy Moore, 2000; James F. Sullivan, Jr., 1999; George Dalrymple, 1998; C. Emerson Fox, 1997; Betsey Anderson, 1996; Doris ‘Mickey’ Webber, 1995; Mike Rosenberg, 1994; Ken Sheldon, 1993; Marcelle Schnitger, 1992; Donna Argon, 1991; Mimi Adler, 1990; Charles W. Kespert, 1989; Mary Hafer, 1988; Lawrence Kimball, 1987; Faye Russo, 1986; John F. Perkins, 1985; Louise E. Maglione, 1984; Harold I. Wellington, 1983; John Earl Dick, 1982; William J. Beecy, 1981; Alice E. Thompson, 1980; and Louis H. Smith, 1979.
A Citizen of the Year web page is under construction on the town web site, and will include biographies of several prior honorees.
The 2014 nomination form suggests the following guidelines:
- The nominee’s service can cover any time period and may be supported by additional letters or endorsement of others.
- Service to any town organization is eligible, including prior elected, voluntary or appointed service to town positions, boards, or committees
- Service to non-profits including food programs, garden clubs, Santa programs, and youth programs is also eligible.
- Elected officials may not be selected while holding office, nor can a town employee’s nomination be associated with her/his current position.
Nominations are due on Friday, August 1; and the 2014 Citizen of the Year will be named in mid-September.
In addition to serving as Grand Marshall of the Bedford Day parade, the Citizen of the Year will be honored at a town-wide celebration to be held in the Great Room of Old Town Hall on the evening of Friday, September 26. The honoree also illuminates Bedford Common and greets Santa in mid-December.
Click Citizen of the Year Nomination to download a PDF of the official form.
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