On January 31, the City of Wyoming will hold its 15th annual Citizen of the Year awards ceremony, celebrating the spirit and accomplishments of some of the city’s most exceptional people.
Since 2002, the City of Wyoming has recognized exemplary residents by naming them “Citizen of the Year”. During that time, says committee member Beth Roeseler, 145 people have received the award, which honors “residents who have had a profound volunteer impact on Wyoming or the Greater Cincinnati area.”
Nominations are made by fellow Wyoming residents, whether neighbors, co-workers, friends, or family members; the Citizen of the Year Committee then chooses the recipients. This year’s slate of nominees represents the broad range of organizations and activities which make Wyoming such a wonderful community.
Please join us at the Pendery Center at Wyoming High School on Tuesday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. to applaud these remarkable people:
Addison Burke has been an active member of her youth group at her church all 4 years of high school, participating in mission trips throughout the country. Within school, Addison has participated in Relay for Life as co-chair for her grade, Project Lead, Student Council, and Class President. She also received the Gold Level of the Presidential Service Award for her volunteer efforts in the community.
Peter Guggenheim, a Wyoming School graduate, has dedicated his time and talents to various activities in the community, serving on the WHS Alumni Association and the Wyoming School Foundation as its president from 2014-2016. He has also volunteered on the Wyoming Booster board, the Graduation Water Project, Denim & Diamonds Gala, 5K Run, and the Middle School Renovation Capital Campaign, eventually becoming its Executive Director.
Ann Taylor has been a generous volunteer in Wyoming for many years. During that time she has served as President of Valley Interfaith Food and Clothing Center, chairperson of the Christmas program for Valley for 7+ years, and, Secretary of the PSA for several years. She has run May Fete ticket sales, been PAC rep and a homeroom mom. She also headed Defeet Hunger and was the co-chair of programs for Seniors.
Anne Madden’s contributions to the community have been numerous. Over the years, she has chaired the St. James of the Valley Fish Fries, organized the Wyoming High School concession stand, worked with the Wyoming Athletic Boosters, volunteered at Tender Mercies, participated in Junior Women’s Club’s various activities, and served as PAC for the sophomore class.
Astrid Overn was nominated by a colleague for her work in her job as Vermont Elementary librarian and her volunteer activities throughout the community. At Vermont, she instilled the love of reading in students by bringing in numerous authors and illustrators, and by running the yearly Book Fair for the Primary Schools. Within the community, she worked with the Wyoming Harvest Fest; acted as photographer and judge for the Wyoming Art Show; photographed various events around Wyoming; and organized an Art Exhibit in Wyoming’s Business District.
Christy Brown is involved in Valley Interfaith Food & Clothing Center raising money and delivering Thanksgiving meals. She is one of a group of five who kept JWC alive when membership was low. Other volunteer experiences include Science Olympiad programs at WHS and WMS; homeroom parent at least 8 times; Girl Scout leader; Marjorie Book Continuing Education theatre program; WMS student performances; WYS Pancake Breakfasts; St James of the Valley room parent; and organizer (with her daughters) of her neighborhood Hot Chocolate stand, raising amounts from $17 to $1,253.56.
Joyce Mueller has been an active member of Wyoming since her days as a WHS student. Since then her volunteer activities have included Art Museum art classes for children; Junior League of Cincinnati; Art Museum Docent; Wyoming High School Alumni Association Board; Wyoming Historical Society coordinating the 3rd grade History tour from 2012-2016; Deacon, Wyoming Presbyterian Church; Promote Wyoming Committee and Wyoming Citizen of the Year Committee.
Julie Turner is a warm, caring, thoughtful neighbor who has organized meals, taken friends to the doctors and hospital, helped with neighbor’s chores when needed, supported friends through cancer treatments, and many other random acts of kindness when others are in need. Julie is also active in the community at Valley Interfaith Food & Clothing, and in the schools when her children were growing up. Julie has touched the hearts of many throughout her many years of living in Wyoming.
Rich and Carol Gomez are longtime members of Ascension and Holy Trinity Church and have served in various positions within the church, including the vestry, search committee for new rector, as Sunday School teachers, on mission trips, Canines for Christ, and the finance committee. Rich is currently senior warden and helped develop the Christian Formation Program, lector/reader and various other church roles. Carol has served as AH&T Junior Warden, co-chair of the Capital Campaign Fund and oversees other designated projects. In the schools Carol volunteered with PSA and served on the Youth Services Board. In the community she organized the Gene Pitman Golf Outing and served as a volunteer tax preparer. They are both always ready to care for their neighbors in need.
