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CRA's Citizen of the Year, a Biennial Celebration
Our Citizen of the Year (COTY) Event was CRA is pleased to announce Donna Jett as our 2023 Citizen of the Year! Our Program Agenda... ...and big thanks to Mike Buffo and his House of Eight Media...here is a VIDEO of this awards Ceremony Slide show here.
 1:30 PM Doors Open and Beverage Service 2:00 PM Welcome - Fred Bologna - President & Moderator Recognition of Former Citizens of the Year Presentation of the 2023 Citizen of the Year Certificates & Recognition by Elected Officials/Representatives, City, County, State & Federal Alissandra Dramov - City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Council Member Our Newest Citizen of the Year Comments - Donna Jett 3:00 PM Attendees invited to enjoy catered appetizers, wine, and cake With special thanks to: Event Chairs – Cindy Lloyd & Mike Brown, Press Release, and Press Fact Sheet, Pinecone Article March 24, March 26th Printed Program, City Proclamation  Read on for our 2021 Honoree and Program, the COTY background, prior honorees and nomination process. Our 2021 celebration was from 2-4PM, Sunday October 10th, 2021 Dale will officially join our amazing roster of 32 past recipients recognized for "enhancing the lives of citizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea." This award recognizes citizens for their activities and contributions to our parks and volunteer work in organizations serving our community. This, no doubt, reflects Dale's contribution to our Village for many years, culminating with the formation of Carmel Cares supported by passionate donors and volunteers.
Our October 10th Program Included
1:30 Doors open, with beverages served 2:00 Program begins. Special recognition of past recipients. Presentation of 2021 Citizen of the Year. Presentation of awards by dignitaries.
3:00 Celebrate with our recipients while enjoying hearty hors d'oeuvres, cake, and beverages. This event was open to the public with capacity limited to 125. Masks are required for unvaccinated. Read on for Highlights of Dale's Contributions, and History, Criteria & Past Recipients on this Recognition Program.
Dale Byrne Contribution Highlights After many years of vacationing here, Dale and his wife Margaret began their full time Carmel-by-the-Sea journey seven years ago. Dale's early Village volunteering began at the Carmel Visitors Center, then continued in his partnership with Voice Map Tours - emphasizing the protection of our Village heritage. He also joined CRA, after becoming a board member, he leveraged his past tech expertise to rolling out our new membership management, web site and communications tools. Especially triggered by the early days of the Pandemic, Dale shifted to partnering and leading charitable projects and contributions with Carmel Gives, in parallel he began the formalization of Carmel Cares. Carmel Cares is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to keeping Carmel-by-the-Sea beautiful, safe, and inviting place through volunteer maintenance and improvement projects, branded community engagement programs, educational outreach, and other creative activities. We partner closely with the City of Carmel’s Public Works Department and other nonprofit organizations to make a difference in our community. You can visit www.carmelcares.org to volunteer, donate and learn about the plethora of programs and projects completed, upcoming and ongoing efforts by Dale and his volunteer crews. Under Carmel Cares, Dale has donated capital items to our Village Public Works teams, especially beneficial in the scarce budget COVID times, and over 2000 hours (and counting) of volunteer time in many improvement projects throughout town e.g. Scenic Pathway, Forest Theater and Devendorf Park - a partial list. Notably Carmel Cares is also on the path to becoming an official affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, with Keep Carmel Beautiful. On October 10th, you will learn more about Dale and his boundless energy - directed to assure Carmel-by-the-Sea remains an amazing place to visit, live, work and play for years to come. In alignment with our public October 1st Announce date of our honoree, initial press coverage includes:
Award History, Criteria & Past Award Winners Beginning in 1980's, and now on every second year, CRA honors a prominent Carmel person by naming him or her Citizen of the Year. Candidates have, through their service, enhanced the lives of citizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea. All nominees, either resident or business community members, must live in Carmel-by-the-Sea or its Sphere of Influence. Our 26th 2021 Citizen of the Year awards ceremony, in normal times, is held in the Spring at the Carmel Woman’s Club and this gathering is open to the public. Traditionally this mid-afternoon ceremony includes local & regional leaders – providing additional recognition and appreciation for our awardee, along with finger food and beverages. The Candidate
The Nominations
History of Citizen of the Year Award In the fall of 1988, at a meeting of Village leaders, it was decided that Carmel should recognize citizens who give outstanding service to their community. With widespread support, Carmel Residents Association was chosen to develop and sponsor this recognition event. Roster of Prior Honorees: (through 2021) This coming year’s Honoree will join a long list of distinguished citizens recognized for their efforts on behalf of our city. They include: A sampling of prior honorees here
Purple text above reflects the 2021 specific content....and will be updated annually. Previous issues of The Voice included coverage of Citizen of the Year....if you'd like to go to the Archives and read more on this program history and it's winners. Check out issues : March 2010, April 2010, January 2011, March 2011, January 2013, November 2014, January 2015, February 2017, January 2019, January 2021, and November 2021. |
