Latest news with #CitizenoftheYear
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
WA boy hailed hero for saving dad in horror tractor accident
Paul 'Pablo' Sleeman, who saved his father's life following an horrendous tractor accident, has been named the Shire of Denmark's Youth Citizen of the Year. The 13-year-old, known by all as Pablo, called 000 and alerted his mother when his father, Dr Alex Sleeman, was critically injured after his tractor rolled in September last year, pinning him underneath. The popular Denmark GP suffered serious spinal injuries, but his son's quick actions helped get him to Denmark Hospital within the hour and then, via the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to Perth. Since the accident, with his father learning to walk again, Pablo has raised more than $32,000 for the RFDS, which has also included a family fitness challenge. Deputy shire president Jan Lewis said he had also helped rescue swimmers from local beaches. 'He has shown exceptional bravery and compassion, leadership and dedication to community safety, making him an inspiring role model,' she said. Shaun Ossinger, a dedicated environmentalist, sports coach and mentor, was named the shire's Community Citizen of the Year. Cr Lewis said his leadership of the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee was testament to his dedication to environmental matters. Paul 'Pablo' Sleeman, 13, Bradley Woodruff, Lesley Murphy, Anthony McEwan, Jy Drummond, 15, Shaun Ossinger and Darin Hockley. Credit: Serena Kirby 'Shaun's unwavering commitment to our environment and community has left a profound and lasting impact on the shire,' she said. As well as being an environmental champion, Mr Ossinger is also a basketball coach, a student mentor and drives a sailing safety boat. The Senior Citizen of the Year was Lesley Murphy, recognised for her tireless volunteer work with St John WA, the St Ayles Skiffs and the Bowling and Recreation Club. 'Her dedication, leadership and quiet acts of kindness make her an inspiration and deeply deserving community champion,' Cr Lewis said. Capt. Darin Hockey accepted the Group Citizen of the Year award, representing the Denmark Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service. A shire statement said the group was recognised for 'over 60 years of courage, leadership, and community spirit, in responding to emergencies, educating the public, and mentoring future volunteers'. In the sport presentations, Anthony McEwan earned the senior award having been recognised for his contribution to Denmark's surf lifesaving club. Mountain biker Jy Drummond, 15, won the junior award while the Service to Sport award went to Bradley Woodruff for his commitment to supporting young athletes across multiple sports. The awards were announced at a volunteer appreciation sundowner at the town's Resource Centre Gallery on Saturday. The theme of the evening was National Volunteer Week's Connecting Communities.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vermont Chamber of Commerce honors National Guard general as Citizen of the Year
STOWE, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – For the last six years, Major General Gregory Knight has been the commander of Vermont's national guard. On Wednesday, colleagues gathered to celebrate his work for the state. In a ceremony at the historic von Trapp Family Resort in Stowe, Knight was honored as the Vermont Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Citizen of the Year, which the Chamber says is given to a Vermonter who 'epitomizes the true spirit of service and self-sacrifice that defines Vermont citizenship.' Knight, of Huntington, has served as Adjutant General of the state's national guard since the legislature elected him in 2019. Stowe Community Church celebrates return of historic spire He has focused many of his efforts on connecting the Vermont National Guard with the people it protects, such as earlier this year when he introduced the first ever 'State of the Guard' address. In his address at the event, Knight said, 'I am convinced more than ever of two things: theexcellence of our people and the importance of relationships.' He has served through a global pandemic as well as states of emergency such as during the floods in July 2023. NYSP announce death of retired First Sergeant The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has given out its Citizen of the Year award since 1964. Past honorees include Senator Patrick Leahy, Lieutenant Governor Barbara Snelling, and sportscaster Ken Squier. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Western Telegraph
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Selfless Fishguard volunteer honoured with citizen award
The Fishguard and Goodwick Citizen of the Year award honours people who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community through hard work and volunteering. This year's finalists were Neeve Hallett, Blanche Giacci, Brian Millard, Christopher Smith and Vivien Millard. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Neeve runs the popular Pembrokeshire Performing Arts which has recently put on Jesus Christ Superstar and Peter Pan as ell as a sold-out production of Annie last year. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Blanche is a trustee of Fishguard's community theatre, Theatr Gwaun. In her role at the theatre she has put on events raising thousands for Women's Aid, the Pembrokeshire women's refuge, men's mental health charities and Theatr Gwaun. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Christopher Smith gives his time to help maintain both the Ocean Lab and Theatre Gwaun and recently helped create Sea Trust's Gardd y Mor on Goodwick Parrog. He is also a stalwart of Goodwick gardening club, offering a warm welcome and gardening advice to members. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Vivien Millard is a trustee of Fishguard and Goodwick Cat and Dog rescue, a charity shop that raises money to help the needy pay vets fees and makes regular donations and food supplies to local animal sanctuaries. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) The winner of this year's award was Brian Millard. Brian gives up his time every week to run the Fishguard Thunderbolts, a multi sports club for adults and young people with disabilities which meets at Fishguard Leisure Centre. Since its inception in 2017 the Thunderbolts has gone from strength to strength. Its members enjoy a range of sporting activities and a Thunderbolts football team has also been formed. The team has also competed in the Rotary Disabled Sports Team Championships in Cardiff where it has won a raft of trophies for basketball, curling, shotput and boccia among others. 'I'm very grateful and appreciate the citizen of the year award 2025,' said Brian. 'A huge thank you, everyone, on the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council and anyone who nominated me Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council said Brian's work with Fishguard Thunderbolts 'makes a huge difference to young people and adults'. Town clerk, Rachel Thompson added: 'The winner of Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council's Citizen of the Year award for the Civic Year 2024-25 was Brian Millard, for his outstanding contribution to the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick. 'He was nominated for his commitment and work with the Fishguard Thunderbolts, the multi-sports club for disabled young people and adults.' Brian was unable to attend the presentation event so mayor, Cllr Billy Shaw presented his award at one of the weekly sessions of the club. The other finalists were all presented with certificates of appreciation for the outstanding work they all do for the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Selfless Pembrokeshire volunteer honoured with rare citizen award
A local sports enthusiast who gives up his own time to run an all-ability sports club for young people and adults has been named his town's Citizen of the Year. The Fishguard and Goodwick Citizen of the Year award honours people who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community through hard work and volunteering. This year's finalists were Neeve Hallett, Blanche Giacci, Brian Millard, Christopher Smith and Vivien Millard. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Neeve runs the popular Pembrokeshire Performing Arts which has recently put on Jesus Christ Superstar and Peter Pan as ell as a sold-out production of Annie last year. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Blanche is a trustee of Fishguard's community theatre, Theatr Gwaun. In her role at the theatre she has put on events raising thousands for Women's Aid, the Pembrokeshire women's refuge, men's mental health charities and Theatr Gwaun. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Christopher Smith gives his time to help maintain both the Ocean Lab and Theatre Gwaun and recently helped create Sea Trust's Gardd y Mor on Goodwick Parrog. He is also a stalwart of Goodwick gardening club, offering a warm welcome and gardening advice to members. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) Vivien Millard is a trustee of Fishguard and Goodwick Cat and Dog rescue, a charity shop that raises money to help the needy pay vets fees and makes regular donations and food supplies to local animal sanctuaries. (Image: Fishguard and Gioodwick Town Council) The winner of this year's award was Brian Millard. Brian gives up his time every week to run the Fishguard Thunderbolts, a multi sports club for adults and young people with disabilities which meets at Fishguard Leisure Centre. Since its inception in 2017 the Thunderbolts has gone from strength to strength. Its members enjoy a range of sporting activities and a Thunderbolts football team has also been formed. The team has also competed in the Rotary Disabled Sports Team Championships in Cardiff where it has won a raft of trophies for basketball, curling, shotput and boccia among others. 'I'm very grateful and appreciate the citizen of the year award 2025,' said Brian. 'A huge thank you, everyone, on the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council and anyone who nominated me Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council said Brian's work with Fishguard Thunderbolts 'makes a huge difference to young people and adults'. Town clerk, Rachel Thompson added: 'The winner of Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council's Citizen of the Year award for the Civic Year 2024-25 was Brian Millard, for his outstanding contribution to the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick. 'He was nominated for his commitment and work with the Fishguard Thunderbolts, the multi-sports club for disabled young people and adults.' Brian was unable to attend the presentation event so mayor, Cllr Billy Shaw presented his award at one of the weekly sessions of the club. The other finalists were all presented with certificates of appreciation for the outstanding work they all do for the communities of Fishguard and Goodwick.
CTV News
30-04-2025
- General
- CTV News
Saskatoon's 2024 Citizen of the Year presented by CTV
Friends and family gathered in Saskatoon to celebrate the 2024 Saskatoon Citizen of the Year presented by CTV, Don Greer. Everyone who lives in Saskatoon has probably come across his work as an architectural engineer, including on Bishop Mahoney High School and the Saskatoon City Hospital. But it's more likely someone has come across his volunteer work. Whether it's the ice sculptures he spent the last five decades making, learning how to tie a knot in Scouts, or being coached by him in water polo or curling, Greer's fingerprints are all over the city. That's why he was chosen as the 2024 Saskatoon Citizen of the Year. 'The Citizen of the Year has been going for 58 years in Saskatoon,' said J.C. Garden, director of news & public affairs at CTV Saskatchewan. 'And CTV, we love telling people's stories. This is the one opportunity we get to actually recognize some of these folks that make such a big difference in our communities.' Greer was honoured at a breakfast Wednesday morning, emceed by Jeff Rogstad from CTV Saskatoon. He was nominated by Bruce Acton, who met Greer 25 years ago. 'I think the Citizen of the Year award is great recognition for volunteers in our community,' said Acton. 'I'd known Don for 25 years through the Cubs and Scouts program. Back in early 2000, our Alex was four or five years old, we marched down to North Park Wilson School and joined the Beavers group down there. That's the day I met Don.' Saskatoon's 2024 Citizen of the Year presented by CTV Don Greer (right) receives the Saskatoon Citizen of the Year award from J.C. Garden director of news and public affairs at CTV Saskatchewan. (Jan Maclaurin/CTV News) Over the years, Acton learned of all the other things Greer was involved with, including his work with the performing arts and as a composter and gardener, as well as a coach. 'The list goes on and on, and it's really quite significant,' he said. 'And so, I thought, you know what? If anybody deserves this award, it's him. So, in retirement, I found the time to write the nomination and submit it.' Greer says being honoured as 2024 Saskatoon Citizen of the Year brings back the warm feelings he gets from volunteering. 'It brings back all those memories of all the things that, over my lifetime that I've done and why I've done it,' said Greer. 'And so it's memories, it's what's come back.' Greer says having his hand in so many different things requires good time management. 'We all have families, we all have jobs that we had to go to, and the ability to organize your time so that you can get those kids to the game,' he said. 'And if you're going to be at the game, you might as well coach from the sideline.' Now that he's received another award, Greer says he's not going to sit back and relax. 'No, I'm never quiet,' Greer told CTV News. 'I don't even watch a lot of TV because I've always got something on the go. I think staying healthy. When you get to my stage in life, you want to be able to do those sorts of things. So looking after my health is important to me.' Congratulations to Don Greer, 2024 Saskatoon Citizen of the Year, presented by CTV.
