Smith honored at dinner

 

    KIM SMITH was named Citizen of the Year 2010 during the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held Feb. 25 at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. Pictured, from left: Theresa Fowler, PIACC executive director, presenting the award to Smith.

    PRESQUE ISLE — An unwavering dedication to all things Presque Isle earned Kim Smith the title of  2010 Citizen of the Year during the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner.
    Presenting the award was friend and colleague Jason Parent.
    “She’s a community leader that’s truly admired,” began Parent, as he described Smith, who chaired the city’s Sesquicentennial Committee and also serves as treasurer of the Presque Isle Historical Society. “She’s a staunch supporter of our heritage.”
    Unable to find just one word to describe her, Parent called Smith, “thoughtful, insightful, with an inquisitive nature.”
    “She has a strong drive toward excellence and a penchant for perfection,” said Parent. “Kim is so much more than the accomplishments she’s accrued.”
    Also known as a researcher and a published writer, Parent continued, noting she was “so much more than the accolades she’s been awarded.”
    During the Star City’s Sesquicentennial year (2009), Parent said he saw Smith give more of herself than any individual, adding the brown-bag series she created was “key to last year’s celebration.”
    Parent spoke of Smith’s two-hour, two-mile guided tours of downtown Presque Isle and the historical plaques she was instrumental in getting installed around town.
    “She’s passionate about sharing Presque Isle history,” said Parent, who worked with Smith on the Sesquicentennial Committee. “Kim’s a model citizen. She transforms that which is not tangible into something quite real. Her contributions to Presque Isle and its people are evident everywhere.”
    Carol Bell, president of the Presque Isle Historical Society, called Smith “a huge asset to our society.”
    Theresa Fowler, executive director of the PIACC, said Smith was dedicated to maintaining (the city’s) historical data.
    “She works tirelessly to continue to share,” said Fowler.
    Sharon Roix, who also served on the Sesquicentennial Committee, said luckily for the Presque Isle committee, a large part of Smith’s work has been “the preserving of our history.”
    Billie Brodsky, a committee member, nominated Smith based on her dedication to the community.
    “She’s a true inspiration. Being around her, you can’t help but feel the positive energy she exudes,” said Brodsky.
    Parent concluded with a comment of his own.
    “I too am proud to call her my friend,” said Parent.
    Usually not one at a loss for words, Smith took to the podium to accept the award, visibly moved by the experience.
    “I told him I’d kick him if he made me cry. I’m very humbled by this. Thank you,” said Smith.

Staff photos by Kathy McCarty

    A LEGISLATIVE SENTIMENT was presented by Rep. Mike Willette to Kim Smith, following Smith’s being named Citizen of the Year 2010 during the PIACC annual dinner. 

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

    Theresa Fowler, executive director of the PIACC, presented Billie Brodksy with the Director of the Year Award, during the organization’s annual dinner, held Feb. 25 at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. Pictured, from left: Fowler and Brodksy. 

BOARD MEMBER HONORED

    PIACC Executive Director Theresa Fowler recognized outgoing PIACC Board member Derik Smith for his years of service to the organization.

    PIACC PRESIDENT Nola Farley, at left, presents the Past President Award to Leah Buck during the PIACC annual dinner.