Rotary honours Citizen of the Year

The votes are in and the Rotary Club of Nakusp has found its Citizen of the Year.

The Citizen of the Year is someone who has displayed any of the following: exceptional achievement; exceptional personaldedication to a worthy cause; significant personal dedication to a worthy cause; significant contribution to the community;displayed remarkable help, kindness or assistance to others or groups of others; bravery or exceptional courage; humanitarian achievements; or achievements in the fields of environment, nature or wildlife.

This year’s winner is Sheila Anderson of Anderson’s Automotive. She was nominated for her outstanding contribution to thecommunity.

“I was really just shocked,” she said. “Embarrassed isn’t the word that I want to use, but it was like that.”

Anderson volunteers for the Launch Club by selling day passes, and helps other community organizations in need by herdonations from 50/50 draws and other monetary donations.

On the nomination form, it said, “she has impacted the community by acting as an amazing liason for all of us. She welcomestravellers to our area with smiles and valuable information.”

Citizen of the Year is chosen by an impartial committee. Nobody knows who they are, and the only thing known is they’re notmembers of Rotary.

Anderson isn’t the only one being celebrated. Barb Chwachka will receive the lifetime achievement award, but is away untilMarch 1.

The award ceremony will take place on March 5.

Anderson said she’s proud to live in Nakusp, and is happy to accept the award.

“Nakusp is and always has been home, total home, and you have to try to support your town in any way that you possibly can,and love it for what it is,” she said. “Everyone cares about everybody here, and everyone helps out when there’s a need for it.How can you not love it?”