Nomination Period Open for Novato Citizen of the Year

Kathy Nickel (left), the 2014 Novato Citizen of the Year, enjoys a previous Paint the Town Red gala with past Citizen of the Year Vicki McDill. Courtesy: Mike Read.

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The following was submitted for publication on behalf of the Novato Citizen of the Year Committee:

Novato continually benefits from the work of unheralded community volunteers. These people step forward to accept challenges when others don’t. So who are Novato’s civic heroes?

Since 1971, the Novato Citizen of the Year Committee has sought nominations to recognize an individual who has served the community over a period of time often in many different ways. The name of the individual is then kept secret until it is announced at the annual Paint the Town Red party, which celebrates the City’s birthday.

Now is your chance to nominate someone you know as a candidate for Novato Citizen of the Year. The nomination period for the 2015 honoree is open now through November 20. The announcement is always a highlight of the Paint the Town Red gala, which will take place on January 22, 2016, at the Margaret Todd Senior Center.

Kathy Nickel, the inspirational leader of the all-volunteer Novato Fourth of July Parade committee, was last year’s recipient. In recent years, Susan Stompe, Patty Bennett, Mike Read and Dennis Hagerty have been worthy recipients of this honor recognizing their volunteer contributions to Novato.

“We aim to honor someone who has made Novato a better place to live for all of us,” said Dietrich Stroeh, chair of the Citizen of the Year Committee. “So many people contribute hundreds of hours every year to important causes and never get any recognition. On this one night, we publicly appreciate our Citizen of the Year and indirectly salute all volunteers. After we make the announcement, it’s heart-warming to watch the honoree’s surprised reaction.”

To nominate a Citizen of the Year, log onto http://paintthetownred.org/citizen-of-the-year/ and read the nomination guidelines to make sure your candidate qualifies.

Then, download the nomination form and mail it to the Citizen of the Year Committee by 5 p.m., Friday, November 20.

Paint the Town Red is the most anticipated social event of the year in Novato. The event features “A Taste of Novato”, a medley of hors d’ oeuvres, wines and craft beers from local businesses. Live jazz entertainment will be provided by perennial crowd favorites Swing Set. This is a first-class gala, which in addition to the Citizen of the Year announcement also includes recognition of the Novato Chamber of Commerce’s Small and Large Businesses of the Year.

Sponsorship opportunities for Paint the Town Red are available now. It’s an outstanding chance to have you and your business’ name marketed prominently at the City’s annual party. The event brings together the past, present and future with Novato residents, community leaders, businesses and organizations. The support and contributions of Novato residents and businesses make the nonprofit Paint the Town Red event happen, boosting community spirit and establishing long-lasting personal connections.

While you’re visiting the website, make sure to reserve your $40 tickets before the price goes up to $50 on New Year’s Day. Paint the Town Red always sells out, so don’t delay.