Nominations Open for Novato Citizen of the Year

NOVATO, CA -- Know a civic hero that you think deserves citywide recognition for their good deeds? If so, now's your chance to see that they get the acclaim they deserve.

The nomination period for Novato Citizen of the Year is open now through Nov. 18. The 2016 honoree will be celebrated during the annual Paint the Town Red gala that marks the city’s birthday early next year.

The Citizen of the Year announcement will be made during the Jan. 20 gala at the Margaret Todd Senior Center’s main ballroom. Tickets are on sale now.

The Citizen of the Year Committee has given out the award each year since 1971. Now is the public's chance to help the committee select another hometown favorite and label that person as a local legend.

Dietrich Stroeh, chair of the Citizen of the Year Committee, said the award is to recognize community contributions that qualify for above-and-beyond status.

“Aside from the city workers themselves, Novato is really run by those who are willing to contribute as volunteers,” he said. “The Citizen of the Year is someone who has been behind the scenes but deserves to step into the spotlight. On this one night, we try to make our Citizen of the Year feel appreciated at the same time we celebrate the city’s birthday.”

To nominate a Citizen of the Year, visit http://paintthetownred.org/cit... and read the nomination guidelines to make sure your candidate qualifies. If so, download the nomination form and send it to the Citizen of the Year committee by 5 p.m., Mon., Nov. 28.

Paint the Town Red is an annual tribute to the past, present and future of Novato businesses, residents, community leaders and organizations. Several other special awards are also scheduled to be distributed at the event.

The support and contributions of Novato businesses and residents make the nonprofit Paint the Town Red event happen. Sponsorship opportunities are available through the website, paintthetownred.org. Tickets for the event can also be purchased via the website, and are $40 each between now and the end of the year. The price rises to $50 on New Year’s Day.

Image: 2016 Novato Citizen of the Year Alan Dunham with the Novato City Council. Courtesy of Paint the Town Red.