CRA's Citizen of the Year, a Biennial Celebration 

 

Thursday April 10th 2025 CRA recognized our 2025 Citizen of the Year awards ceremony. Our Tom Parks was recognized for over 30+ years for his Village contributions as a volunteer, non-profit board member, writer, editor, author, producer, director and more. 

HERE is a Fact Sheet highlighting Tom's contributions and background.
HERE is our Event Program.
HERE is the YouTube from this celebration (includes next item)
HERE is the audio "Interview" connecting Tom with Herbert Heron of 100 years ago.
HERE is Tom's self-biography - primarily covering his early career Hollywood years and as a more local playwrite
Below is the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Proclamation and certificates from State Senator Lairds, State Ambasador Addis, Monterey County Daniels, and more. (click on images to enlarge)

  

Our ceremony, hosted by Graeme Robertson - President of CRA,  included local & regional dignitaries providing recognition for our awardee.  We offered our thanks to prior years awardees in attendance once again.  Plus our reception following the program provided local food and beverages from Fairytale Winery, Cafe Carmel, Flaherty’s, Village Corner and Edwins

Official Citizen of the Year Agenda - April 10, 2025

 5:00 PM                Doors Open and Beverage Service 
        5:30 – 6:30 PM    Program
    • CRA President Graeme Robertson – Welcome
    • Introduction of Former Citizens of the Year
    • It’s Official, our 2025 Citizen of the Year – Tom Parks
      with decades of Village contributions with historic parallels
    • Proclamations & Certificates from the offices of:
      - City of Carmel-by-the-Sea – Dale Byrne-Mayor & Alisandra Dramov-Council Woman
      - Monterey County Dist. 5 Representative – Kate Daniels
      - California St. Assembly Member Dist. 30 – Dawn Addis
      - California St. Senator Dist. 17 – John Laird
      - US House of Representatives Dist. 19 – Jimmy Panetta
    • Closing comments from our Citizen of the Year
 6:30 – 7:30  PM    Celebratory Reception       

Read on for more on the Nomination criteria, past programs and past recipients!

The Nominations

  • Can be made by any Carmel person or organization
  • To include all relevant details on the contributions to Carmel-by-the-Sea community
  • To include email and phone # contact information of the nominator(s)
  • Must be sent to: CRA Citizen of the Year, PO Box 13, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ca 93921 – or email to [email protected]
  • Must be received on or before February 20th 2025

     The Candidate

    • Nominations are sought for people who during the past year or years, had done an outstanding job of promoting the objectives of Ordinance 96 that states, in part, that "Carmel-by-the-Sea is primarily, essentially and predominantly a residential city."
    • Must live in Carmel-by-the-Sea or in our Sphere of Influence.
    • Has enhanced the lives of citizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea. For example: prior honorees were recognized for their activities and contributions to our parks and volunteer work in organizations serving our community.
    • Can be a resident or business community member
    • May or may not be CRA member
    • Must not be on the CRA Board
    • Must not be our city or county employee
    • Must not be an elected official of Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey County

     Five Factors in Our Selection

      Our Village is blessed with many worthy and committed area residents, that contribute to our quality of life.
      These categories are use to evaluate nominations and make the final selection:

    • Engagement: They actively participate in their communities, whether through volunteering, attending local meetings, or advocating for causes they believe in.
    • Innovation: They think creatively and are willing to explore new ideas and solutions to address community challenges.
    • Vision: They have a clear sense of purpose and direction, often inspiring and motivating those around them to pursue a better future.
    • Long-Term Commitment: Extraordinary citizens often demonstrate a sustained commitment to their community or cause over many years, showing dedication through consistent involvement.
    • Cultural Preservation: They work to preserve local traditions, languages, and customs, helping to maintain cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.

History of Citizen of the Year Award & Past Award Recipients

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.  So beginning in 1988's, and 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.  

       Roster of Prior Honorees: (through 2024)

This coming year’s Honoree will join a long list of distinguished citizens recognized for their efforts on behalf of our city. They include: Linda Anderson, Clayton Anderson*, Noel Van Bibber*, Melanie Billig, Jack Billwiller*, Steve Brooks, Mike Brown, Dale Byrne, Greg D’Ambrosio, Olof Dahlstrand*, Nancy & Bill Doolittle, Richard Flower*, John Hicks*, J.S. "Jim" Holliday*, Donna Jett, Wayne Kelley*, Bob Kohn*, Frankie Laney, Barbara Livingston*, Skip Lloyd*, Noel Mapstead, Roberta & Monte* Miller, Enid Sales*, Joyce Stevens*, Merv Sutton, Roy Thomas, Charlotte Townsend*, Fran & Alex* Vardamis, Jean White*, Ken White, and Jim Wright*.
                                   Spouses listed separately were awarded in a separate year.  * have passed away

Past programs and honorees and more details follows!

Our 2023 Citizen of the Year (COTY) Event was
Sunday March 26th 2023
 at the Carmel Woman's Club. 

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
(or click on this image)
 

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
Mary Adams our District 5 Monterey County Commissioner,
Dawn Addis our California State Assembly Representative and
on behalf of Jimmy Panetta in Washington, was Rachel Dann

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, 
And to our many volunteers and tribute cake donation by Patisserie Boissiere

It's all about Donna! Our Key Event Documents here:
   Press Release, and Press Fact Sheet,
   Pinecone Article March 24,
   March 26th Printed Program, 
   City Proclamation

Read on for our 2021 Honoree and Program - Dale Byrne

Our 2021 celebration was from 2-4PM, Sunday October 10th, 2021
at the Carmel Woman's Club - Free & Open to the Public -
It was great to have you join us in Celebrating our Honoree - Dale Byrne!

   

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:

Once Again Our Roster of Prior Honorees: (through 2025)

This coming year’s Honoree will join a long list of distinguished citizens recognized for their efforts on behalf of our city. They include:  Linda Anderson, Clayton Anderson*, Noel Van Bibber*, Melanie Billig, Jack Billwiller*, Steve Brooks, Mike Brown, Dale Byrne, Greg D’Ambrosio, Olof Dahlstrand*, Nancy & Bill Doolittle, Richard Flower*, John Hicks*, J.S. "Jim" Holliday*, Donna Jett, Wayne Kelley*, Bob Kohn*, Frankie Laney, Barbara Livingston*, Skip Lloyd*, Noel Mapstead, Roberta & Monte* Miller, Tom Parks, Enid Sales*, Joyce Stevens*, Merv Sutton, Roy Thomas, Charlotte Townsend*, Fran & Alex* Vardamis, Jean White*, Ken White, and Jim Wright*.
                                   Spouses listed separately were awarded in a separate year.   * have passed away

A sampling of prior honorees from years past 

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.