Chelmsford TeleMedia show honors Citizens of the Year

Five residents were recognized for their volunteerism in 2013 during the annual "Chelmsford Citizens of the Year" episode of "Politically Incorrect," hosted by Tom Christiano on Chelmsford TeleMedia.

The town began to formally recognize outstanding residents during the first "Citizens of the Year Awards" in 2006. Christiano began his Dec. 19, 2013 taping by announcing Linda Prescott, Eliot Lea, Peggy Dunn, Stefani Bush and Maureen McKeown as Citizens of the Year.

Featured on the hour-long 357th taping was Town Manager Paul Cohen, along with this years panelists and former recipients. Giving their two-cents were Zoning Board of Appeals member and 2009 recipient Charlie Wojtas, President of the Historical Society and 2012 recipient Becky Warren and lead Open Space Steward and 2008 recipient Phil Stanway.

"We try not to pick people who are full-time employees," said Christiano. "Those who go above and beyond their jobs and you volunteer for the town in so many ways and the towns people and thats what we try to thank and show appreciation for every year with these awards."

Going down in history

Warren led the discussion surrounding Prescott, who since coming to Chelmsford has had a passion for preserving its past. According to Warren, several old homes in town have been protected thanks to Prescotts efforts. Shes been a member of the Chelmsford Historical Commission, which she served as chairwoman. Shes also been involved in the towns Master Plan Committee.

"So her involvement in looking at the big picture for the town, where are the important places to protect and shes been a champion in making sure those areas get protected whether its a house, a barn, whether its a district to keep the feel of Chelmsford," said Warren.

Prescott began as a self-proclaimed "bucket lady," documenting and etching gravestones at local cemeteries. This marked her start in her exploration of Chelmsfords history. Currently, Prescott is a member of the Community Preservation Fund Committee, the Chelmsford Historical Commission. Stanway praised Prescott for her wealth of reliable information.

Going Green

Stanway was instrumental in selecting 2013s Green Citizen of the Year.

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Chelmsford TeleMedia show honors Citizens of the Year