Dolores Lutner is the 2012 Pitt Meadows Citizen of the Year.
The award is given by the Pitt Meadows Foundation and presented on Pitt Meadows Day, June 2 this year.
Part of the criteria is someone who makes a contribution to improving the quality of life for a person, family, school or the community.
Lutner, who turns 81 this year, is all about that.
She has been a member of the Pitt Meadows Foundation for more than 10 years and is a vital cog in its fundraising efforts. She also been a member of the citizen of the year selection committee for a number of years.
As well, she helps with Christmas in the Country, Remembrance Day, Canada Day and Pitt Meadows Day celebrations. She helps with seniors in the community and is active in the garden club.
Whether distributing posters or making phone calls or serving coffee, she is there and helping out.
“She’s the kind of person, if you have a task, she always says ‘yes,’” said Michael Hayes, president of the Pitt Meadows Foundation. “I don’t know where she gets the energy. Sometimes she takes on too much and people have to ask her to hold back.”
He added that she is an “immediate friend” and “a very strong believer in Pitt Meadows and the community.”
Lutner was nominated for the award by Ann Laity.
“Dolores is a very humble, respected, take charge woman who gets things done without the need of praise,” reads the nomination form.
“Her amazing attitude and community spirit is very deserving of this award.”
Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters said Lutner always has a smile on her face and positive attitude that spreads to everyone around her.
“There aren’t enough good words in the dictionary to describe Dolores,” she added. “She is a hard-working citizen and is always giving of herself. She is a role model to others and I am privileged to call her a friend.”
The recipient of the award takes part in Pitt Meadows Day and Canada Day celebrations, as well as Remembrance Day and has his or her name recorded on a plaque outside of city hall.
The Pitt Meadows Community Foundation has been honouring the citizen of the year award since 1997.
It took over the task from the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Chamber of Commerce.