Lyme Citizen of the Year
About the Citizen of the Year Award
In 1999, a gift from Rachel Miller created the Lyme Citizen of the Year award, to be bestowed on someone who has provided outstanding service to the Town of Lyme. This award honors those who have had an impact in our town in a variety of ways. It is not a rite of passage, one that is given each year to the next person in line. Rather, it is an award that is earned by members of our town who give their time in government, organizations, and service, working in a multitude of ways to make Lyme the engaging, dynamic, and caring community that it is. These ordinary people doing extraordinary work not only make this town thrive, they also inspire others through their dedication and often quiet service.
Nominations for 2026
The award would not be possible without the active engagement of those making the nominations. It’s very simple, just click the button below and fill out the form which asks for the reason you feel your nominee deserves the award, a few details about the nature of their involvement in town life, and suggestions about who else might know about their service. Simple!
The nominating period for 2026 is over. Thank you for your submissions!
Kathy and Lee larson - 2025
Our 2025 “Lyme Citizens of the Year” are described by their nominators as the quintessential Lyme “Neighbor.” Since moving to Lyme more than 25 years ago, they have chosen a path of quiet service to the town, its lands, and its citizens. They have kept us on time - through clock repairs for our churches and library - and helped connect us with high-speed internet. They make a point of welcoming newcomers to their neighborhood by organizing events and often show up at a new neighbor’s door bearing gifts of surplus produce, eggs, and homemade jams. They are always ready to assist those in need with meals, transportation, companionship and chores--whether it be grocery shopping, rides to appointments, or helping at the food pantry.
Our 2025 Citizens of the Year have also served in many capacities and on numerous committees that have benefitted us all. They both served as longtime volunteers at the Converse library. One is a “Founding Leader” of Community Care of Lyme, and the other is known at CCL as an “Extraordinary Volunteer.” They both have helped keep our town democracy functioning as inspectors of elections, and ballot clerks. One served as Supervisor of the Checklist, the other as a long time Chair of the Conservation Commission.
Within and beyond our community, this couple has long served to protect and enrich the quality of our outdoor space. They both served as Stewards of the Upper Valley Land trust--one serving as a Trustee and Lands Committee Chair. The other has been active in developing and managing trails in town --leading multiple initiatives to make our woods, ponds, and streams more accessible. This couple’s desire to see their own property protected for wildlife, responsible forestry, and recreational purposes led them to donate the “Songbird forest” as a conservation easement to UVLT.
She is known to have taught tai chi at the Academy Building. He was instrumental in getting Lyme connected with Lyme Fiber including obtaining grant funding for families who might not otherwise be able to connect to the service. And they both helped organize fundraising for the new gas pumps at the Lyme Country Store.
Their active but quiet service to the town, today and in the past, leaves a lasting legacy.
We are pleased to recognize Kathy and Lee Larson as Lyme’s Citizens of the Year in 2025.
Former Citizens of the Year:
2024 Judy Russel
2023 Mike Mundy and Aaron Rich
2022 Kathy Sherrieb
2021 Michael Whitman
2020 Jim and Dale Mason
2019 Pat and Tony Pippin
2018 Ellen Thompson
2017 Peggy Little and Paphanh Sithavady
2016 Nancy Elizabeth Grandine
2015 Kenneth Uline
2014 Earl and Beverly Strout
2013 Michael Hinsley
2012 Jean and Mike Smith
2011 Charles Balch
2010 Patty Jenks
2009 Carola Lea
2008 Bill Murphy
2007 Laura DeGoosh
2006 Betty Lee
2004 Fred Phillips
2003 Albert Pushee
2002 Don and Julia Elder
2001 Becky Franklin
2000 Kenneth Elder
1999 Dorcas Chaffee