'Citizen of the Year' honor Patty Uttaro experienced a rare speechless moment when she was told the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce named her 'Citizen of the Year.' Uttaro was recognized for her service to the community through her work at the Ogden Farmers' Library where she has worked since 1996. As soon as she was over the shock, Uttaro was quick to deflect the credit. "If you asked me I would say that I'm not at a point in my life to deserve this recognition," Uttaro said. "However, it is gratifying in part because it shows how much this community values the library." Uttaro said the recognition by the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce is consistent with the area's affection for the library. Uttaro points to the history of the town's development. The library was the third building erected, preceded only by a church and a school. Uttaro's grasp of local history is one reason she received the honor. With the help of Village Trustee Tim Peer, Uttaro led a project called Pathways to the Past. The project provides a walking tour on Spencerport's main street and along the canal. Light posts and wooden posts serve as homes for historical photos of the village and town with captions that provide insight. Pathways to the Past has been in place the last few years, receiving positive recognition from locals and attracting visitors from all over. "The first year it was an amazing stream of people who came into the library to say how much they liked it and hoped it would become an annual event," Uttaro said. Beyond special community projects like Pathways to the Past and her involvement in the publishing of a book "Images of Ogden and Spencerport," Uttaro is proud of the spectrum of programming the library offers. Annette VanDohlen, the previous head of the library, left Uttaro with an important piece of advice that she has held close to her heart. "She told me 'Remember that the people who live in this community own the library,' " Uttaro said. "I haven't forgotten that." As a result, Uttaro has worked to increase the amount of community programming for children and adults. Part of her outreach can be seen in the growth of the Library Friends group. The group, who contributes to the library in exchange for certain privileges, has increased from 88 to 264. Uttaro is also pleased with the culture that exists at the library. Residents have described the library as Cheers-like. "This is not a quiet library ... ," Uttaro said. "I really believe the library can be the center of the community." Uttaro said the award, and consistent support from the town board, demonstrates that she is not alone in this belief. Working to build community support was a gift that earned Dennis Pelletier a share of this year's 'Citizen of the Year' award. Pelletier, a community leader, received the honor posthumously. He served the community in several capacities, most namely as a Monroe County Legislator, and a member of the Ogden Zoning Board and the Ogden Town Council. At the time of his death in 2004, Pelletier had just begun a job as head of the Monroe County Water Authority. Tim and Joann Carr, owners of Cardinal Lawn and Landscape, Inc., received the 'Business Persons of the Year' award. Dr. Mary Vadas, owner of Towne & Country Eyecare, won the 'Civic Beautification' award. Several organizations were honored for reaching impressive milestones in their service to community. The chamber held their annual dinner and awards reception January 28 at the Plantation Party House. |
