Orillia’s 2021 Citizen of the Year expressed “shock” upon receiving the honour Monday.
Marci Csumrik, a real estate agent and passionate volunteer in the community, received the recognition during a city council meeting earlier today.
“I can’t believe it, to be honest,” she said. “I’m in a great group with the fellow nominees.”
Nine people were nominated for Citizen of the Year, and the selection panel narrowed the field to three finalists: Csumrik, Pam Carter and Glenn Wagner.
Carter is “committed to enriching the lives of others,” said selection panel member and former winner Gill Tillmann.
She noted Carter has served nine years as president of the Mariposa Folk Foundation.
“With her expert leadership, the Mariposa Folk Festival is now a premier Canadian music event,” Tillmann said, describing Carter as “an awesome community and cultural activist.”
Wagner is a local business owner and serves as chair of the Lighthouse board of directors.
His leadership role included seeing the new Lighthouse hub on Queen Street come to fruition.
Selection panel member Carey Moran said Wagner has a “passion to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate in our community.”
Reasons for Csumrik being selected as Citizen of the Year include her volunteerism and generosity related to a variety of local organizations and causes, including the Orillia Youth Centre, the Lighthouse, the Orillia Museum of Art and History, the Comfie Cat Shelter, the Orillia and Area Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, the Orillia Business Women’s Association and the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce.
“2021 was a standout year for Marci, and the pandemic didn't hold her back,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.
Pandemic or no pandemic, giving back comes naturally to Csumrik.
“I’m so passionate about my city. I’m passionate about the people and all the different organizations, especially the youth,” she said. “I’m honoured to be able to serve the youth and the arts and other volunteer positions that I maintain.”
Along with a trophy from Joe Watt Trophies, Csumrik will receive a $250 Passport Parking app credit and is invited to take part in the 2022 Canada Day parade.
Also nominated for Citizen of the Year were the late Chris Bellchambers, Angie Green-Hill, Nicole Hepinstall, Joyce Hird, Barbara MacLeod, and Brian Stanton.
