Cynthia Warren has been named 2014 Citizen of the Year, according to Faye Whitbeck, president of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.
Selection, by an anonymous committee comprised of chamber members who are not board members, began Wednesday following the April 1 submission deadline.
Nearly a dozen individuals were nominated for the honor, Whitbeck said. “And the committee reported selection was a very difficult task.”
Warren is admired for her work with the organization Friends Against Abuse, the elderly in the community, church projects and cooking contributions. Her assistance to incarcerated women at the local jail, as well as her inspirational messages to people undergoing dependency treatment, was also cited.
“She does so much to help so many that are struggling,” said a nominator. “Cynthia Warren is a great citizen who does great things for our community.”
Whitbeck said Warren was notified by telephone Friday and responded with astonishment. “What an honor and a surprise,” she said quietly and in tears.
A March 27 Journal Letter to the Editor written by Warren – herself now five years into recovery – expressed her commitment to making a difference for those suffering with pain, loss and addiction:
“Addiction to drugs and alcohol is … Taking the lives of our children, young adults, teachers, students, nurses, lawyers, and yes, even doctors; among thousands of others in every walk of life.
“Addiction is not fussy; it will take anyone in its path and usually wins. We as a community, as concerned citizens not just of International Falls but of the world, need to stand up, speak up, and start fighting this insidious disease before it devours more of our own, leaving in its wake sadness, loss, unending grief, destruction and devastation to ourselves and society.”
Warren said she is grateful for her own recovery and admirers say her message is followed by action.
Selection was difficult for the committee, Whitbeck said. Deliberations over an impressive list of nominees continued for two days.
“We agree they were all worthy of the award in one way or another,” said a member of the committee. “To be nominated should be an honor for all the individuals.”
The significance of the deeds of many of the candidates compelled committee members to extend their hope that these nominees feel honored, too,” Whitbeck said. She asks that nominators keep these deserving candidates in mind and nominate them again next year.
Citizen honoree Warren will be presented with the award at the chamber’s annual spring dinner beginning at 6 p.m. May 22 at Lenard’s in AmericInn. The after-dinner program will also include guest speaker – CEO Mark Kowlzan of Packaging Corporation of America – the company which now owns local Boise Paper.
“We are so privileged to have Mr. Kowlzan accept our invitation to address this event,” Whitbeck said. This will give him a chance to meet members of the business community and the community at-large. It gives us a chance to show appreciation for the vital operation Boise has in our community.”
The event will also mark the first time Chamber Pillar Awards will be given to six businesses which this year are the top supporters of the Chamber – investments that help project the voice for the business community as well as sustain an organization which specifically provides business values and services, and ultimately fortifies the greater community, Whitbeck said. The Pillar businesses are Boise Paper, Bremer Bank, Coca-Cola Bottling of International Falls, The Journal/North Star Publishing, KGHS/KSDM and Midcontinent Communications.
This spring gala is open to the public and Chamber members will receive mailed invitations. Reserved, pre-paid attendance is $35 for an evening of socializing, dinner, cash bar, silent auction and the program. Reservations for individual seating or tables of eight to 10 people should be made by May 19 by stopping at the chamber, calling 283-9400 or emailing faye@intlfalls.org.
