The History of Greater Gardner, MA

1971 Aug. 25

Man of the Year – Howard C. Morganstern

1972 April 14

Man of the Year – A. Paul Guertin

1973 April 14

Man of the Year – Clarence Quimby

1974 April 26

Man of the Year – Dr. Leonard B. Thompson

1975 June 13

Man of the Year – Robert Crouch

1976 April 25

Man of the Year – Leo P. LaChance

1977 May 13

Citizen of the Year – Edward G. Watkins, Simplex Time Recorder

Community Service Award – Mary Vedoe, Westminster Conservation Commission; Nancy Anderson, United Way of Greater Gardner; Mrs. Stanley Moak; Mrs. Irene Walet, Gardner Quota Club; Greater Gardner Jaycees

Community Improvement Award – Gardner Savings Bank; Gardner Co-Operative Bank; Lilly Chemical Products, Inc., Templeton; IGA Supermarket; Belletete’s, Winchendon; Victory Supermarket

1978 June 16

Citizen of the Year – Anthony P. Kraskouskas, Anthony’s Liquor Mart

Community Improvement Award – Simplex Time Recorder; Wood-Tek; T. R. Industries; Whitney Division of Ethan Allen in Ashburnham; Westminster Country Hardware; Modern Contract Furniture; Bergeson Wood Products; Windon Motel and Restaurant, Winchendon; Pegasus Restaurant; Betty’s Flower Shop; Atter’s Supermarket

Community Service Plaques – Herbert W. Neunherz; Frank A. Potter; Robert Croteau; Lois S. Greenwood of Winchendon; Dr. Rocco Raduazo; Dolly Dawley of Westminster

1979 July 20

Citizen of the Year – Charles C. Brooks, Jr., President, Conant Ball Co.

Community Service Award – Henry Heywood Hospital Aid Association; Gardner-Athol Area Mental Health Board; The Gardner News

Community Improvement Award – Burtt’s Garage, Inc., Westminster; Pandiscio Gallery of Homes, Westminster; Colonial Co-Operative Bank, Gardner; Winchendon Savings Bank, Baldwinville; Aspen Transportation Service, Gardner; Colonial Craft Corp., Templeton; Gardner Savings Bank, Gardner

1980 May 9

Citizen of the Year – Harold E. Drake

Community Service Award – Thomas and Christine Binnall; James Murphy, The Gardner News; Eugene O. Turcotte, The Gardner News; Carlton E. Nichols, Nichols & Stone; Marge Dunton McMahon, Naukeag Hospital

Community Improvement Award – Brown, Howe & Robichaud; Luke LaChance; Judy and Paul Yarmoluk of Westminster Country Hardware; Atty. John A. Mizhir, Winchendon; Levi Heywood Memorial Library; S. Bernard Garbose, Garbose Metal Co.; Stasukelis Appliance; James Elsevier, Baldwinville Products

1981 Dec. 2

Citizen of the Year – Dr. Rocco Raduazo

Community Service Award – Claude Marchegiani; James P. Kraskouskas; Edward L. Lepkowski; Templeton Rescue Squad; Chris White; Thomas P. Kelley

Community Improvement Award – Alan Rouleau; Leo “Red” Poirier; Gardner Savings Bank; Collier-Keyworth Co.; James Kraskouskas

1982 Dec. 8

Citizen of the Year – Thomas P. Kelley

Community Service Award – Ernest P. Fletcher; Winchendon Fourth of July Committee; Atty. Henri Sans

Community Improvement Award – Thomas Kymalainen; Tom DiGeronimo; Phil LaGrassa; Dr. Martin Chicknavorian

1983

Citizen of the Year – No award given

1984 May 11

Citizen of the Year – Carlton E. Nichols, Sr., Nichols & Stone

Community Service Award – Stephen Hancock; Rita Bourgeois; Elaine McCay; Gardner Rotary Club; Square One Development Corp.

Community Improvement Award – New England Wooden Ware Corporation; Heritage Insurance Co.; Sergeant Memorials Co.; The Factory Coop/Rome Sales, Inc.; Hudson Food Farms; McDonald’s Restaurant of Gardner; Henry Heywood Memorial Hospital; Williams Restaurant; Nichols and Stone Co.; Gardner Savings Bank

1985 April 26

Citizen of the Year – R. Allen Keyworth

1986

Citizen of the Year – Dr. Arthur Haley

1987 May 15

Citizen of the Year – Dr. James Faust

Business of the Year Award – Data Guide Cable Corp.

Community Improvement Award – Franco American Credit Union

Volunteer of the Year Award – Michael Horrigan

1988 May 13

Citizen of the Year – James Murphy

Community Service Award – Rosy St. Jean

Small Business of the Year Award – Mark Green, Curtis Forest Products of Hubbardston

Community Improvement Award – Stanley Bujnicki, Stanley Subaru

New Business Start-Up Award – Velvet Goose

Volunteer Achievement Award – Steven Palmer, Smith Funeral Home

1989 June 2

Citizen of the Year – Richard Cushing

Community Service Award – Heritage State Park

Business of the Year Award – Wironen Studios

Community Improvement Award – Up Down All-Around Playground Volunteers

1990 May 10

Citizen of the Year – George C. Corey

Community Service Award – Carl Lugbauer

Business Person of the Year Award – Luke LaChance

Community Improvement Award – Little Town Hall, Westminster

Citizen of the Decade – Edward G. “Chris” Watkins

GGCC President’s Award – Lorie Blain

1991 May 10

Citizen of the Year – Robert “Pete” and Virginia Trudel

President’s Award – Betsy Hannula

1992 May 15

Citizen of the Year – Raymond Barton

Community Service Award – Monument Park Bandstand Committee

Businessperson of the Year Award – Peter and Linda Saloom

Community Improvement Award – Green Street Medical Associates

Leadership Recognition Award – Dan Kelley and Paul Malboeuf

Chairman’s Award – Ulysse Maillet

1993 May 14

Citizen of the Year – Ellen Daly

Community Service Award – Janet Lauricella

Lifetime Achievement Award – J. Ulysse Cormier

Businessperson of the Year Award – James O. Garrison

Community Improvement Award – Henry Heywood Memorial Hospital

Leadership Recognition Award – Daniel Asquino

1994 May 6

Citizen of the Year – Raymond “Pete” Robichaud

Community Service Award – Roland Richard

Lifetime Achievement Award – Leo LaChance

Businessperson of the Year Award – Douglas Pendleton

Leadership Recognition Award – Greater Gardner Furniture Outlet Association

Chairman’s Award – Ellen Daly

1995 May 6

Citizen of the Year – Charles Bowles

Community Service Award – Jay Davis Drake

Businessperson of the Year Award – Peter Garlock

Community Improvement Award – Edie Kosakowski; Peter Panagiotidis

Leadership Recognition Award – Daniel P. Moen

1996 May 10

Citizen of the Year – Cleo E. Monette

Community Service Award – Ronald F. Cormier

Lifetime Achievement Award – Leo Lakin

Small Business of the Year Award – Wachusett Brewing Company

Businessperson of the Year Award – James H. Hamilton and Frances L. Hamilton

Community Improvement Award – Richard Tolman

Leadership Recognition Award – Wayne Gallant

1997 May 9

Citizen of the Year – Daniel Moen

Community Service Award – Rev. David Cote; Dr. Daniel Asquino

Lifetime Achievement Award – Thomas P. Kelley, Jr.

Small Business of the Year Award – Huhtala Oil

Community Improvement Award – Wood’s Ambulance Service; Betourney’s Auto

Leadership Recognition Award – Robert D. Hawke

1998 May 1

Citizen of the Year – Senator Robert D. Wetmore

Community Service Award – Robert P. Sullivan

Lifetime Achievement Award – Clifford D. Beebe

Small Business of the Year Award – Precision Optics Corp.

Community Improvement Award – Rome Furniture

Leadership Recognition Award – Charles E. Grout

1999 May 6

Citizen of the Year – Edward I. Stromski

Community Service Award – Toy Town Banner Committee

Business of the Year Award – Advance Cable Ties

Community Improvement Award – North Central Pathway bicycle trail

2000 May 4

Citizen of the Year “Decade” – Rita Bourgeois

Community Service Award – HOPE House of Peace and Education

Small Business of the Year Award – Boucher Funeral Home

Community Improvement Award – Winchendon Bandstand Committee; Travers Welding Co.

Leadership Recognition Award – Robert McKean

2001 May 9

Citizen of the Year – Dr. Paul P. Harasimowicz

Community Service Award – Ted and Diane Cushing

Business of the Year Award – Wachusett Mountain Ski Area

Businessperson of the Year Award – Alfred Cormier Construction Co.

Community Improvement Award – Gardner Animal Care Center

Chairman’s Award – Mary Solomita

2002 May 9

Citizen of the Year – Daniel Asquino

Community Service Award – Mary Lou Gilman

Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. James and Mary Lou Faust

Community Improvement Award – Athol Savings Bank; Baldwinville Nursing Home

Leadership Recognition Award – Relay for Life Committee

Small Business of the Year Award – Roy Gilbert

2003 May 5

Citizen of the Year – Rev. David Cote

Community Service Award – Stephen and Marianne Coswell

Business of the Year Award – Il Forno Restaurant

Community Improvement Award – Country Mischief

Chairman’s Award – Kenneth Tomasetti

2004 May 6

Citizen of the Year – Ludger Robichaud

Community Service Award – John and Paula Mulqueen

Lifetime Achievement Award – G. Albert Anderson

Business of the Year Award – Hamid Mohaghegh

Community Improvement Award – Staples; Kamaloht

Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award – Michael Richard

2005 May 5

Citizen of the Year – Attorney Henri Sans

Community Service Award – Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

Small Business of the Year Award – Red Apple Farm

Community Improvement Award – Ashburnham Hardware; Levi Heywood Memorial Library

Leadership Recognition Award – Gail Landy

Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award – Michael LaCava

2006 May 3

Citizen of the Year – Tina Sbrega

Community Service Award – Gardner Visiting Nurses Association

Small Business of the Year Award – Erickson Silver Smith

Community Improvement Award – Gardner Travel Agency; Gardner Community Health Center

Leadership Recognition Award – Rep. Brian Knuuttila; A. Jandris & Sons

Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award – Patricia Bogart

2007 May 9

Citizen of the Year – James O. Garrison

Community Service Award – Mooneen Corley; Barbara Lafrennie

Lifetime Achievement Award – Joanne Bernard

Business of the Year Award – Chairtown Lumber; Prosthetic Design of Fitchburg

Community Improvement Award – Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center

Leadership Recognition Award – David Jacques

Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award – Sheila Heglin

2008 May 7

Citizen of the Year – Sister Maxyne D. Schneider

Community Service Award – Patricia Jandris; Dana Vickery

Business of the Year Award – John’s Sports Shop; Meridian Gymnastics and Preschool

Community Improvement Award – Jumpin’ Juice & Java

Leadership Recognition Award – Ed Terceiro

100th Anniversary Recognition – W.E. Aubuchon Co., Inc.

Municipal Recognition Award – Town of Westminster

2009 May 9

Citizen of the Year – State Senator Stephen Brewer

Community Service Award – Lorraine Wickman

Lifetime Achievement Award – Raymond M. LaFontaine

Business of the Year Award – New England Peptide

Community Improvement Award – Greater Gardner Community Development Corp.

Municipal Improvement Award – Ashburnham Public Safety Building

Special Community Service Awards – December Ice Storm Responders

2010 May 10

Citizen of the Year – Jerry Bankowski

Community Service Award – Norm Bettez

Lifetime Achievement Award – James Murphy (posthumous)

Business of the Year Award – Fitness Concepts Health Club

Businessperson of the Year Award – Rick Walton

Community Improvement Award – Gary Lorden; GFA Federal Credit Union

Municipal Recognition Award – Westminster’s 250th Anniversary Committee

2011 May 11

Citizen of the Year – Ronald and Marcelle Cormier

Community Service Award – Sallie Thoma

Unsung Hero Award – Dottie Yablonski

Business of the Year Award – Standard Chair

Community Improvement Award – Heywood Hospital

Leadership Recognition Award – Ken Tomasetti

Municipal Recognition Award – Gardner’s 225th Anniversary Committee

2012 May 9

Citizen of the Year – Jeffrey Gallant

Business of the Year Award – Sharp Image Screen Printing

Businessperson of the Year Award – James P. Kraskouskas

Community Improvement Award – Mount Wachusett Community College; Lisciotti Development Corp.; Maki Corp.

Commitment to Chamber Award – Latrice Cooper

2013 May 8

Citizen of the Year – Robert Hubbard

Business of the Year Award – GFA Credit Union

Business Leaders Award – Salvatore Auto; To Each His Own Design

Businessperson of the Year Award – Donald Irving

Leadership Recognition Award – Win Brown

Municipal Recognition Award – Templeton 250th Anniversary Committee

2014 May 7

Citizen of the Year – Andrew Boucher

Community Service Award – Sybil Goldberg Arguijo

Lifetime Achievement Award – Rock Barrieau

Businessperson of the Year Award – Sean McNally

Community Improvement Award – Gardner Youth Baseball and Softball League

2015 May 6

Citizen of the Year – Neil Erickson

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – Brian Tanguay

Lifetime Achievement Award – Stanley W. Herriott

Unsung Heroine Award – Maureen Horrigan

Business of the Year Award – Chair City Oil

Businessperson of the Year Award – Matt Ward

Community Improvement Award – Alternatives Unlimited

Municipal Recognition Award – Town of Winchendon

2016 May 4

Citizen of the Year – Kenneth Tomasetti

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – A.E.D. Foundation

Lifetime Achievement Award – Daniel Asquino

Unsung Hero Award – Robert Hurtubise

Business of the Year Award – SAWA Asian Bistro

Community Improvement Award – Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center Cathy’s House

Municipal Recognition Award – Ashburnham 250th Celebration Committee; Gardner Police Headquarters

2017 May 7

Citizen of the Year – Stephen E. Chartier

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – Theresa Thompson

Lifetime Achievement Award – Jeffrey A. Ashworth

Unsung Hero Award – Scott Huntoon

Business of the Year Award – Garlock Printing and Converting Corp.

Community Improvement Award – Mount Wachusett Community College

Leadership Recognition Award – Trevor Beauregard

Municipal Recognition Award – Michael and Irene Piontek

2018 May 9

Citizen of the Year – Jim Bellina

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – Women’s Circle of Giving

Lifetime Achievement Award – Norman Wironen

Unsung Hero Award – Dawn Casavant

Business of the Year Award – Wachusett Brewing Co.

Businesspersons of the Year Award – James and Maureen Gallant

Community Improvement Award – GAAMHA

Leadership Recognition Award – Joseph Guercio

Municipal Recognition Award – Katie Young

2019 May 8

Citizen of the Year – Scot Barrett

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – Jennifer Sibley; Barbara Higgins

Community Improvement Award – House of Peace and Education (HOPE)

Business of the Year Award – Gardner Ten Pins

Businessperson of the Year Award – Joyce Dossett

Community Leadership Award – Jim and Jen Woods

Voice of the Community Award – The Gardner News

Other Awards – Elizabeth Penney

2020

No Awards – COVID

2021 June 10

Citizen of the Year – Mark Goldstein

Community Improvement Award – GFA Federal Credit Union

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – City of Gardner; Heywood Healthcare; Polish American Citizens Club; Volunteers Gardner COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Business People of the Year Award – Karen R. Osterberg; Terry Fougere

Business of the Year Award – Valley Florist and Greenhouse

Lifetime Achievement Award – Horrigan Cleaners, Inc.

2022 May 13

Citizen of the Year – Elaine Fluet

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – Shawn Hayden

Lifetime Achievement Award – Patti Bergstrom

Unsung Hero Award – Jamie Floyd

Business of the Year Award – Valley View Farm

Community Improvement Award – Carl E. Dahl House

2023 May 11

Citizen of the Year – Edward Atter

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – Barbara Nealon

Lifetime Achievement Award – Raymond LaFond

Unsung Hero Award – Michael Gerry

Business of the Year Award – Red Apple Farm

Community Improvement Award – Amy Fantoni

2024 May 16

Citizen of the Year – Michael Ellis

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – Renee & Lex Edme

Lifetime Achievement Award – Brian Tanguay

Michael Gerry Unsung Hero Award – Miranda Jennings

Business of the Year Award – Community Health Connections

Leadership Recognition Award – Ronald Cormier (posthumous)

Municipal Recognition Award – City of Gardner Centennial Celebration Committee

2025 May 8

Citizen of the Year – Julie Meehan

Sybil Arguijo Community Service Award – Lynn Cormier-Sayarath

Lifetime Achievement Award – Madeline and Pete Gamache

Michael Gerry Unsung Hero Award – Rozanna Penney; John Bujak; Dawn Casavant

Business of the Year Award – 99 Restaurants

Businessperson of the Year Award – Magnus Paul Carlberg

Community Improvement Award – Empire Management