Awards will recognize service

We all know that person who is always willing to pitch in, rises to the occasion when help is needed or residents who perform acts of kindness for the less fortunate. They are our neighbors, former classmates, church members, coworkers or family members; simply put, they are members of our community who contribute to the vitality of our city and enrich the lives of other Wasconians.

The idea for the program began as a vision from a longtime City Councilmember and current Mayor Tilo Cortez. “I wanted a way to recognize those citizens of Wasco, who lead by example, who speak through actions and selflessness, citizens who take positive action to improve the quality of life in Wasco not just for themselves but for everyone who lives here,” Mayor Cortez said.

The service awards program aims to recognize the volunteer service, dedication and hard work of those individuals and/or agencies who do so much for Wasco, its residents and the community. The program will have six categories: youth, citizen, educator, nonprofit, public safety, service and lifetime service.

“These service awards will give our citizens an opportunity to recognize and express their appreciation to the recipients,” the mayor added.

The city is looking for three residents to serve on the service awards program committee. Interested residents are encouraged to complete and apply prior to the deadline on or before May 28, 2020. Applications can be obtained on the city’s website at cityofwasco.org and emailed to the city clerk at cityclerk@cityofwasco.org, or can be dropped off and placed in the mailbox located outside City Hall.

An ad hoc committee consisting of two council members will review the committee applications and will take the recommendations to a future council meeting for approval. Candidates selected for the Wasco Service Awards Program committee will serve terms ranging from two to three years.

Once the Service Awards Program committee is formally established, more details regarding the awards nomination process and deadlines will be advertised. We recognize that many Wasconians have served the community past and present, and we truly desire to memorialize their efforts to make Wasco a community that enriches the lives of all residents.

For more information regarding the Wasco Service Awards committee, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (661) 758-7214.

--Mariana Sabolewski, assistant to the city manager, City of Wasco