Congratulations to Gene Esarove, Jacob Patete and Cliff Nichols, this year's nominees for the TC Lions Club Citizen of the Year Award! In a city where volunteerism and dedication to community are a way of life it is truly an honor to be singled out by your fellow citizens as a deserving recipient of this special recognition. The winner will be announced during the City's birthday celebrations on July 4th!
Gene Esarove: A long time resident of Tega Cay, Gene was nominated for Citizen of the Year in recognition of his many contributions to not only his community but also to the State of SC. Gene has been an active participant in the Community Relations Committee (CRC), served as VP and President of the TC Vintage Club and is serving as Treasurer of TC Fridays Men's Breakfast. He is a neighborhood liaison with TC Connect and is chairman of the TC Lions High School scholarship program. You will also have seen him filling in for Santa at Christmas time at various events around the City! Gene has been an AARP State Legislation volunteer, AARP Driver Safety State Coordinator and has been a part of South Carolina Ducks Unlimited as a District Coordinator helping to raise funds in support of the state's wetlands. Gene also somehow finds the time to serve at St Philip Neri Church; for several years on the Finance Committee and currently as Head Usher.
Jacob Patete: Jacob is only 16 years old but has already been active in serving his community. As a member of the FMHS Beta Club Jacob volunteers with many service projects including reading to school children, collecting box tops, helping at the GHES School Carnival and collecting supplies for the homeless. He serves at his church by volunteering with a children's Christian camp during the summer, participating in Operation Christmas Child and in one special project by assembling 14 scooters that were then donated to a school in York to be given to low income autistic children. Jacob also serves his community as a Boy Scout; for his Eagle Scout Project he worked diligently to raise the funds necessary to make two handicapped swings a reality at Trailhead Park. He saw a need that was not being addressed and took it upon himself to do something about it. This was a remarkable project, especially for someone his age.
Cliff Nichols: Cliff was nominated in recognition of his contribution as the 'pictorial historian" of our city. Cliff is always seen around town with this three foot telephoto lens on thirty pounds of camera, documenting our city’s activities. Whatever the occasion and whenever the event; July 4th celebrations, Concerts in the Park, Eagle Scout ceremonies, Fall Festival, Memorial Day observances, etc. etc., Cliff is there with his camera capturing all the special moments and preserving them for all to see in his beautiful photographs. This is the third year in a row that Cliff has been nominated for Citizen of the Year!!