[Vision2020] PR - City Honors Commission Members

[Stephanie Kalasz]

City of Moscow
206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
p     |  208-883-7006
e     |   griedner at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:griedner at ci.moscow.id.us>
w    |  www.ci.moscow.id.us<http://www.ci.moscow.id.us>

PRESS RELEASE
City of Moscow Honors Service to Commission Award Winners

October 21, 2011 (Moscow, Idaho) - The City of Moscow announced the 2011 Service to Commission Awards at the October 17th Commissions Fair, held at City Hall.  Awards were presented to: Joel Hamilton, Planning and Zoning; Nels Reese, Historic Preservation; Donna Woolston, Arts Commission and an honorable mention was awarded to Karl Johnson, formerly of the Fair and Affordable Housing Commission.  Each award winner received a certificate of appreciation, their name engraved on a plaque in City Hall and a gift certificate for merchandise from a local business.

Each of the award winners was extremely deserving of this great honor as their nomination applications noted:

Hamilton has served for 30 years, meaning that he has had the support of the array of Mayors and City Councils over those many years, to have earned reappointment time and again to the Planning and Zoning Commission. It also speaks to this individual's dedication to service, thoughtful disposition, and ability to withstand sometimes extreme heat when addressing emotionally-charged subjects.

The Planning and Zoning Chair, Art Bettge, noted that Hamilton, "...has served as a volunteer on the Commission longer than some people's professional careers!" and that his "...dedication and service have definitely helped shape Moscow into the vibrant community that it is today."

As Mayor Nancy Chaney noted Reese, Chair of the Historical Preservation Commission is a two-time award winner and is described by his Vice-Chair Wendy McClure as "a tireless advocate for preservation through his efforts to cultivate public awareness about the importance of our historic resources to Moscow's quality of life and to future generations."

Reese has also gone "above-and-beyond the usual commission engagement," by purchasing 400 concrete blocks from recently-razed Sack Warehouse at 6th & Jackson to preserve their historic significance in some yet-to-be-determined form.

Woolston has served as a volunteer commissioner on the Arts Commission for the past eight years. Fellow commissioners describe their colleague as "an inspiring visionary" who has worked diligently to uphold the mission of that group and of the City.

Her colleagues wrote, "It's evident that Donna's inspiration and motivation stems from the deeply felt notion that a community that values the arts (through education, promotion, sponsorship, and advocacy) is a critical indicator of its well-being and livability. We are fortunate to be living in a community that benefits from the impact of Donna's devotion and hard work."

Johnson, who received an honorable mention as a recently retired Fair and Affordable Housing Commission Member was described by the Commission's Council liaison, Walter Steed as, "an invaluable asset... (who provided) the Commission with consistent and unwavering direction in the pursuit of affordable housing options in Moscow... (and) was key in securing... financial support for the creation of a community housing development organization and land trust within Moscow."

Mayor Chaney notes, "It is my privilege to formally recognize the extraordinary efforts of Karl Johnson, for his many years of service on Moscow's Fair and Affordable Housing Commission and for his continued commitment to its causes through the new Community Housing Development Organization, Moscow Affordable Housing Trust."

The City of Moscow extends a heartfelt thank you to this year's recipients of the Service to Commissions award.  Their volunteerism and dedication to the cause are truly admirable.

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Story Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
Phone: 208.883.7006
Email: griedner at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:griedner at ci.moscow.id.us>


The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring responsible use of resources. We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to build public trust and enhance a sense of community.



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