MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 25, 2023

Smiths Falls seeks nominations for Citizen of the Year Award

SMITHS FALLS, ON - The Town of Smiths Falls in partnership with the Smiths Falls Legion Branch 95, is looking for the 2022 Citizen of the Year!

The Dr. T.O. Ashwell Memorial Award (Citizen of the Year Award) is given an individual (or couple) who has demonstrated significant contribution within the Town of Smiths Falls through outstanding dedication, service and involvement. This award recognizes a local resident who is a community builder, contributing to the enrichment of the social, cultural or civic life that has a positive impact on his/her fellow citizens and the community.

In 2006, the Smiths Falls Citizen of the Year Award was officially changed to the Dr. T.O. Ashwell Memorial Award in recognition of Mayor Ashwell’s leadership, initiative and many contributions of the Town during his service of Mayor.

“The Town of Smiths Falls is blessed to have had the support of countless individuals over our history and it is fitting that we take the opportunity annually to properly recognize those individuals that have continually made that extra effort and have made volunteerism a big part of their everyday life. These individuals who form the foundation of our great community and deserve to be recognized.” Said Mayor Shawn Pankow.

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a person that meets the following criteria:

• Has contributed to the enrichment of the social, cultural or civic life of Smiths Falls.
• Must be a current and active volunteer in the community.
• Promotes a positive image of the Town of Smiths Falls.
• Is viewed as a role model who consistently demonstrates responsible behaviour.
• Participates regularly in community activities or projects.
• Shows evidence of on-going volunteerism, leadership and dedication.
• Cannot be a current elected official or a resident run for municipal council, or be staff of the Town of Smiths Falls.

The members of the community are being ask to submit nominations for a local individuals who have made significant contributions to the Smiths Falls Community. The fillable nomination form can be accessed online at smithsfalls.ca/NominateCOTY

Printed copies may be picked up at Town Hall reception and Welcome Centre or at the Legion Office. Completed nominations forms can be dropped off at the front reception desk or placed into the black box outside of the main entrance of Town Hall.

The nomination period for the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award is now open until Friday, June 9^th, 2023, no later than 4:00pm.

“Each year the local service clubs take the lead on this important recognition event and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 is proud to host this annual event this year.” Said Stan Lasenba, Legion President.

Hosted this year by the Smiths Falls Legion, the award ceremony and gala event will take place Wednesday, June 21^st from 6-9pm at the Smiths Falls Legion Hall.

Be sure to purchase your ticket for the Awards Ceremony and Gala. Tickets are $30 per person and includes a delicious Roast Beef Dinner with all the fixings prepared by the Legion’s famous Woman’s Auxiliary.  Proceeds from the tickets pay for the cost of the meal and supports our local Legion Branch.

Space is Limited so please RSVP in advance online at www.smithsfalls.ca/COTYGala or by contacting Krissy Draper at kdraper@smithsfalls.ca or 613-283-4121 x 1122. Tickets can be purchased and picked up at Town Hall Reception or the the Legion 95 Branch Administration office before Monday June 12^th.

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Media Contact

Esther Njuguna,

Communications Coordinator

Town of Smiths Falls

77 Beckwith St N, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8

Office: 613-283-4124 x 1137

Cell: 613-284-6353

http://www.smithsfalls.ca