The Old Hallowell Day Committee is pleased to announce that Ava and Noah Katz have been selected as the recipients of the 2012 Timson Award for Community Service, created to honor and continue the tradition of volunteerism and civic engagement demonstrated by Hallowell’s late Mayor Barry S. Timson.
The twins, dismayed by the trash they noticed when they went for family walks with their parents Robert and Stacey Monschein Katz, were the driving force behind the downtown Hallowell Clean Up Day, held in late May. Noah and Ava wrote to the Mayor, requesting that the Clean Up Day be added to the 250th/Old Hallowell Day celebrations. They were then invited to propose their plan to the entire committee. As a result, the children were asked to chair and organize the event, which drew dozens of participants of all ages, including students, siblings, parents, teachers, and Old Hallowell Day/250th committee members.
Over ten full bags of trash were collected downtown, from the river to the railroad tracks. In addition to the immediate improvement, the long term goal is to raise public awareness, and continue the beautification effort as an annual tradition.
The Katz children have also sold lemonade and cookies to raise funds for the Hallowell Food Bank; supported the Good Shepherd Food Pantry, with their parents, through their synagogue; and asked friends to donate books to the Hubbard Library in lieu of gifts at their last birthday party.
Their mother noted that the Clean Up Day gave them “important lessons in responsibility, community service and taking pride in the place they call home.” From Ava’s perspective, “It’s fun and also important to take care of our community, and our planet.” Adds Noah: “We want Hallowell to look nice for its 250th anniversary!”
5th Annual Timson Community Service Award for young Adults
This award has been established to celebrate and memorialize Barry Timson’s remarkable contributions to our city, to make his commitment a model for others, to recognize the efforts and achievements of young adults in our community and to encourage the spirit of volunteerism, civic commitment and leadership.
past winners
2011 – Johanna Baker
2010 – Kate Cart
2009 -
2008 -
