NORTH FORK — Saturday, Feb. 17, will mark the 39th year that the community of North Fork has chosen one of its own to honor as Citizen of the Year.
This year’s list of nominees is a long one. A dozen people have had their names anonymously submitted as citizens worthy of recognition for their contributions to the community.
The winner will be announced at a dinner at the Town Hall on Saturday. Citizens of the Year for 2016, Al and Robyn Flory, and their kitchen crew will be serving up a chicken dinner, with Roz’s homemade rolls, and the Women’s Club will have desserts available.
Tickets are $10 at the door (no pre-sale) for adults, and $5 for kids under age 12. The Boosters will provide a no-host bar throughout the evening. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6, followed by the announcement of this year’s honoree.
In the words of those who submitted names, the nominees for the 2017 North Fork Citizen of the Year are:
Tom Burdette – Tom dedicates a huge amount of time to the EMC SPCA, the North Fork Community Development Council, the North Fork History Group, the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, and the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. He is also instrumental in coordinating with the Forest Service and Cal Fire at the Old Mill Site when it is used as a Command Post during wildfires.
Sarah McIntyre – Sarah is the Branch Manager at the North Fork Library. She is credited with building the library into an important resource for the town, organizing fundraisers and creative writing classes, an iPhone workshop, and running a popular summer reading program for local kids. No matter how busy she is, Sarah is always ready and willing to help with books, computers, and anything else her patrons need.
Claudia Box – Claudia is a long-time pillar of the community and a blessing to those in need. In addition to running Box Feed and serving on the School Board, she always steps up to lend a helping hand. Claudia has organized deliveries of feed and hay for those affected by local fires, and is always willing to donate to the cause for service organizations and school projects.
Jennifer McMillan – Since Jennifer’s arrival in this mountain community, she has demonstrated what a true community-minded person is. She consistently creates economic value and opportunities with Bandit Town, in addition to helping our young people. She has Airbnb’s to encourage tourism, and has proven herself to be a model North Fork citizen.
Gina Clugston – Gina is the owner, publisher and editor of Sierra News Online. She provides a huge community service with fast, accurate information on fires, accidents, road closures, community events and local news. We have all come to depend on her and SNO. She is also a talented singer and musician, and started a community choir that has been going strong for nearly 18 years.
Roz Thrapp – After teaching at the North Fork School for many years, Roz is now retired. However, she continues working for our children and organizations such as the Children’s Education Fund, Squirrel Cage Theatre Co., and the Women’s Club, just to name a few. Roz is someone you can always count on to be there for you and sometimes you don’t even have to ask.
Dan Rosenberg – As president of the North Fork Community Development Council, Dan has created a highly effective Board, and has brought the community’s vision for the Mill Site to fruition. His leadership has produced grants and loans for the Mill Site property, the sale of parcels at the site, and a biogen plant project that is moving forward. He has developed partnerships with local organizations and Madera County representatives, and his unwavering, positive support and leadership benefits all.
Dave Jones – Dave is a long-time resident of North Fork who has volunteered at the school, coached women’s softball, and helped get the Public Coffee House open, which serves our young people. He has volunteered countless hours with Vacation Bible School. Dave has also helped to prep the Rec Center for summer activities, including hours of weedeating, cleaning bathrooms, putting in the dam for the swimming hole, and anything else that needs attention. He also delivers firewood to elder citizens unable to get it on their own, free of charge.
Mike Garcia – Mike is regularly seen at events in North Fork, helping out in any way he can, and always with a smile on his face. He is retired from the Forest Service and spends a lot of his time helping others. Mike is an outstanding citizen who definitely makes North Fork proud.
Joshua Kaden, Frank Wilson and David Thompson – When a vehicle fire threatened to burn several businesses in downtown North Fork last summer, the quick thinking and actions of these three men helped to save the town from going up in flames. David has also worked to sweep and hose off the streets and sidewalks and keep the town free of trash.
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
2016 Al and Robyn Flory
