SOUTH FORK—The South Fork Board of Trustees took time out of their agenda during their meeting Tuesday night to recognize local residents and businesses that are continuously working to improve the town through several acts of community contributions.

The board adopted a resolution to make the community appreciation award program official and will continue the program on a regular basis. Resolution 18-09 states, “The Town of South Fork has established a recognition award called the Community Appreciation Award. The Town of South Fork Board of Trustees will present the Community Appreciation Award on an as-desired basis.

Candidates for the award are to be selected and nominated by a town trustee of the board. The trustee may select candidates that are recommended by members of the community. The trustee will nominate the candidate and provide supportive criteria for the nomination in a document. The trustee will recommend the nominee for approval to the board of trustees at the monthly meeting. The award will be presented to the recipient as soon as possible after approval, even at the same board meeting. Candidates should be considered a positive influence in the community. Candidate selection should be based on, but not limited to, criteria such as, making physical improvements to existing structures, making improvements to the land, go above and beyond service to the community and civic contributions.”

After the resolution was officially read by Town Attorney Gene Farish, board members made a motion to approve the resolution, and it passed unanimously through the board. Mayor Pro Tem Don Spencer explained that there were five initial candidates selected by the board that were present for the meeting and asked for a motion to approve the five candidates, which passed.

Each of the five recipients of the first Community Appreciation Award received a silver coin from the 25^th anniversary collection made last year and a certificate recognizing them for their service to the community. Each certificates gave specific examples of why the candidate was chosen for the award and are as follows.

Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant was selected, “In recognition of exceptional customer service and hours of operation offered to our community citizens (and visitors), participation in many community events, and an aesthetic addition to their restaurant. The positive influence of this business resonates as a stellar example of success and is greatly appreciated.”

Outdoor Depot, “In recognition of exceptional customer service, multiple high-quality expansions to your facility, participation in many community events, and bringing an annual Jamboree to the area. Even amid the adversity of the recent fire and the damage therein, the goodwill remains at the forefront. The overall contribution of this business, and the people behind it, to the betterment of the greater South Fork community is outstanding and greatly appreciated.”

Rachel’s Keep on Keepin’ On food truck, “In recognition of exceptional customer service and creative expansion planning that has added to the betterment of the greater South Fork community. Particularly, the addition of multiple colors and ‘out of the box’ design is a refreshing contribution to our collective identity as a positive destination.”

Connie and Robert Goodnight, “In recognition of exceptional improvement to two old dilapidated cabins located on the two state highways that intersect in the Town of South Fork. The conversion to quaint high-quality mountain cabins has been a positive aesthetic contribution toward the betterment of the greater South Fork community.”

Nate Goldsberry, “In recognition of your above and beyond service in helping create the best light display in South Fork history, recent improvements to our community building, as well as outstanding contribution to the design and building of two town signs. While these three projects stand out, the consistent ‘do whatever it takes’ mentality is greatly appreciated in your day-to-day service as the Town of South Fork public works supervisor.”

The board thanked the selected candidates for their service and explained that suggestions for future awards can be made to any trustee, who would then make the recommendation to the board for future nominees.