By Dot Bergin
July 31 is the date for submitting nominations for one of Bedford’s hallowed traditions: Citizen of the Year. Since 1979, Bedford residents have had the opportunity each year to name an outstanding person for this distinction. The Citizen of the Year is honored by riding in the Bedford Day Parade, by a reception at Old Town Hall coupled with the annual Bedford Minutemen Change of Command Ceremony, and by participating in the Annual Tree Lighting each December on the Common.
Citizens have been honored for their service to the community which can take a variety of forms: for years of volunteer work in a local hospital, for example, or, in the case of last year’s winner Alma Pomponi, for more than 25 years of “behind the scenes” efforts at the Citizens Scholarship Foundation annual student Phone-a-Thon.
The first Citizen of the Year in 1979 was Louis H. Smith, father of Bedford resident Arthur Smith. “Lou” as he was always known, served as Selectman and in a range of other town positions, back in the day when Bedford had a more informal municipal structure. As you read through the list, you will note many familiar names, residents who have helped shape our town’s character.
Perhaps there is a neighbor on your street who is always there to help others in need, or a quietly unassuming person who is the bulwark of a community organization you belong to. The nomination form gives you space to describe your would-be honoree and to “recruit” others to support your choice.
Click 2015 Citizen of the Year to print nomination paper that you can use to suggest a candidate.
Scan this list of past winners and in some cases, read their “nomination papers,” to learn about the residents who have been honored for a variety of contributions to the life of Bedford: 2014, Alma Pomponi; 2013, Ralph Hammond; 2012, Roberta Ennis; 2011, Donald Marshall; 2010, Robert F. Slechta; 2009, Joseph Piantedosi; 2008, Mary Narcisi; 2007, John Filios; 2006, Robert Mead; 2005, John Brown; 2004, Judith McConnell; 2003, Nick Genetti; 2002, Donald Corey; 2001, James Shea; 2000, Nancy Moore; 1999, James F. Sullivan, Jr.; 1998, George F. Dalrymple; 1997, C. Emerson Fox; 1996, Betsey Anderson; 1995, Doris (Mickey) Webber; 1994, Michael Rosenberg; 1993, Kenneth Sheldon; 1992, Marcelle Schnitger; 1991, Donna Argon; 1990, Miriam Adler; 1989, Charles W. Kespert; 1988, Mary Hafer; 1987, Lawrence Kimball; 1986, Fay Russo; 1985, John F. Perkins, Jr.; 1984, Louise E. Maglione; 1983, Harold I. Wellington; 1982, John Earl Dick; 1981, William J. Beecy; 1980, Alice E. Thompson; and 1979, Louis H. Smith.
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