NORTH FORK — The community of North Fork will name its Citizen of the Year for 2016 at a dinner and celebration on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Town Hall.
This is the 38th year that the community will gather to celebrate its most honored citizen — someone chosen as being representative of the spirit of service and giving that defines this mountain village.
Each year, residents are invited to send in their anonymous nominations, which are accepted by the North Fork Boosters between mid-December and mid-January. Anyone can submit a nomination, with a letter expounding the virtues and contributions of their candidate.
All past winners are then invited to participate in the selection of the new Citizen of the Year, gathering to vote for the nominee they feel is most worthy — never an easy task with so many deserving of the honor.
The nominees for 2016 are ( information and quotes are from the forms submitted to honor these folks):
Al & Robyn Flory — Both have been active in the community for many years, serving as board members for the North Fork Boosters, and participating in Squirrel Cage Theatre Co. They have also run the beer booth at the Mid-Sierra Loggers Jamboree for many years. Robyn has taught theater and music at the North Fork School for over 20 years, and will retire at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. “They always give back to their community in everything they do.”
Ranay Lutz — Ranay is always ready and will to help with the kids during the Boosters’ summer recreation program at the North Fork Rec Center. She also donates for the annual fishing derby and helps out with activities at the North Fork School. “She is a great person always willing to lend a helping hand, and never asks for anything in return. She has a giant heart and just wants to make people – especially children – happy.”
Jennifer McMillan — Upon moving to the North Fork community several years ago, Jen set about not only becoming part of the small town, but an asset as well. Jen purchased Old Town, now known as Bandit Town, working with friends and neighbors to restore the property, and offering it for hosting many local events such as the annual Chili Cookoff and Casino Night fundraisers. She is credited with bringing not only commerce and culture to the area, but also compassion and inspiration, all while running several local businesses. “It is refreshing to have such a productive, positive and giving person in our community.”
Jennifer Pearson — Jenny was not only instrumental in getting the North Fork Visitors Center up and running, she also volunteers at the Center and puts together the schedule. She has donated countless hours to the Chamber of Commerce, organizing the annual car show — Hot August Night — making it a huge success. She also volunteers at the annual Loggers Jamboree. “Jenny is a kind and thoughtful person who is good about supporting all community events.”
Two other North Fork residents were nominated, but declined the honor.
The evening will include a special memorial remembrance for our dear friend Zelda Whitener, who passed away in January. Zelda was often nominated, but always declined to accept the recognition of her friends and neighbors.
The dinner will be prepared by 2015 Citizen of the Year Linda Gott-Maddox and her crew, and will feature Chicken Alfredo Lasagna, Caesar Salad, Roz’s homemade garlic rolls, and dessert. There will also be a vegetarian Mushroom Alfredo Lasagna. Cost for dinner is just $12.
The event is put on by the North Fork Boosters, who will have a no-host bar open throughout the evening.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. followed by the announcement of the winner.
Past winners of Citizen of the Year:
1979 Marilyn Coelho
1980 Grant Sturm
1981 Paul Barnes
1982 Jim Zizzo
1983 Bob Quick
1984 Tom Wheeler
1985 Betty Lyons
1986 Blaine Shultz
1987 Tom Hebrard
1988 Charles Coelho
1989 Tal Carter
1990 Jim and Dot Morris
1991 Elaine C. Fink
1992 Beverly Cole
1993 Paul Vining
1994 Tom Digilio
1995 Charles Harrington
1996 Lloree Knowles
1997 Mary Myers
1998 Frank Verduzco
1999 Mark and Cindy Swarts
2000 Chris Stanley
2001 Cathey Thornburg
2002 Loretta McKee
2003 Tammy Armstrong
2004 Kirk and Alice Koda
2005 Volney Dunavan
2006 Bill and Gretchen Choate
2007 Augie and Cindy Capuchino
2008 Viola Carr
2009 Dave Smith
2010 Joan Constable (aka Connie Carpenter)
2011 Vincent and Ginny Smith
2012 Hansel Kern
2013 Mark Logee
2014 Janet Wheeler
2015 Linda Gott-Maddox
How does someone vote for a candidate? I want to vote for Robyn and Al. Rhoda