STAMFORD, CT – Mayor Caroline Simmons is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for 2023’s City of Stamford Citizen of the Year (COTY).
“This award gives Stamford the opportunity to reflect on the people who have made extraordinary contributions to the community we love,” said Mayor Caroline Simmons.
The COTY award is given annually to a resident whose contributions make Stamford the great place that it is. This year’s selection committee includes:
Juanita T James, Chair and 2009 Citizen of the Year.
Cathy Ostuw, 2018 Citizen of the Year.
Courtney Nelthropp, 2022 Citizen of the Year
Stephen Fischer, Commander, Jewish War Veterans Post 142
Thomas Cassone, Esq., Member-at-large
Bill Brucker, Member-at-large
“While it has been always wonderful to celebrate our honorees’ dedication and commitment to Stamford through their impactful service, a poignant outcome of our nomination process is learning about their respective lives through the various biographical materials submitted,” commented Gary H. Stone, Co-Chair, along with Rick Redniss.
“Additionally, honoring veterans and high school seniors who have demonstrated their deep commitment to our community affords us an annual opportunity to celebrate the dedication and achievements of these phenomenal individuals,” adds Rick Redniss. “Each year we look forward to learning more about all COTY nominees. Then we make the difficult decision of choosing just one who makes us proud to be part of the City of Stamford.”
The committee’s criteria for selecting the award recipient has remained the same since the founding of the award in 1945. The chosen nominee shall:
Demonstrate a belief in interfaith harmony.
Possess the highest standards of responsibility in civic life.
Help in the promotion of projects for the public welfare.
Has personally worked with distinction to benefit Stamford on a community-wide basis.
“I encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect on your fellow residents who have made a difference in your life and Stamford’s community,” said Mayor Simmons. “Take the time to nominate a special person who consistently contributes to making Stamford the exceptional place that it is.”
Nominations must include a bullet point summary of the nominee’s background supporting the criteria listed above. Nominations can be filled out at stamfordcoty.org, emailed to StamfordCitizen@aol.com or mailed to:
Nominations Committee
2023 City of Stamford Citizen of the Year
48 Putter Drive
Stamford, CT 06907
All nominations must be received by Friday, December 16, 2022.
Citizen of the Year is an annual award that has been given to one resident of Stamford every year since 1945. The award was founded by Fred Robbins, a war veteran of World War I and World War II — after he settled in Stamford and became involved in community affairs. Robbins worked with Mayor Webster Givens to establish the Citizen of the Year award. Mayor Givens appointed Post 142 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States to be the sponsoring organization for the award. Post 142 has sponsored the award on behalf of the City for 76 years and in that time the award has honored more than 76 men and women who have served the Stamford Community.
