Rotarians seek nominations for Warwick Citizen of the Year

WARWICK — Who should be Warwick’s next Citizen of the Year? You might have the answer.
Local Rotarians are seeking nominations for the coveted award. A letter outlining the accomplishments and reasons for the nomination can be mailed to the Warwick Town Supervisor, 132 Kings Highway, Warwick NY 10990 or e-mailed to stanmartin42@yahoo.com.
Deadline for nominations is Friday, Sept. 1.
For the first time since 1999, members of the Warwick Valley Rotary Club are eligible to be nominated. Rotary, a service organization of local community-minded men and women, are sponsoring the annual event,
A commitment to community serviceStan Martin and Leo Kaytes Sr., both former Warwick Rotary presidents, are co-chairing the event. Ten years ago, they were instrumental in restarting the “Warwick Citizen of the Year” program which was inaugurated in 1968 by the now defunct Warwick Jaycees.
“There are so many local residents who deserve recognition for making this a quality place to live,” said Martin. “These volunteers have demonstrated a commitment to community service over an extended period of time.”
Kaytes encouraged community input on candidates for 2017-2018 Warwick Citizen of the Year. He pointed out that there were so many qualified nominations in recent years that two additional persons will be recognized with “Outstanding Community Service Awards.”
Claire Gabelmann, a community volunteer with a passion for helping children, was named 2016-2017 Citizen of the Year. George McManus and George Arnott earned Outstanding Community Service Award honors.
The committeeTwo former Warwick Jaycees and current Warwick Rotarians - Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Attorney Doug Stage - are also on the committee along with John Buckley, John Bollenbach, Marie Pennings, Calvin Hargis, John McGloin, Frank Truatt, Mechelle Casciotta, David Eaton and Leo Kaytes Jr.
The awards dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Landmark Inn.