EASTHAMPTON — Nominations are open for the second annual Keys to the City program. The public is invited to nominate outstanding individuals, groups and organizations whose service and leadership have significantly enriched the quality of life in Easthampton.
Created by Mayor Salem Derby, the program celebrates extraordinary efforts in civic leadership, service, the arts, education, business and environmental stewardship. The honor reflects Easthampton’s core values: equity, sustainability, creativity and collaboration, according to Derby.
“When I was interim mayor and I was walking up the street and saw all these really cool things going on in our city and people that are really stepping up and making our city a better place by the energy that they’re putting into it, I really knew that there should be some sort of recognition to the people that go above and beyond,” Derby told Reminder Publishing, regarding how the program came to be.
Nominations are open to a broad range of community members, including residents and business owners, community organizations such as nonprofits, civic groups and community organizations serving residents and regional partners. Specifically, the city seeks individuals or organizations outside the city whose efforts deliver a direct, clear benefit to Easthampton.
Nominees must demonstrate a substantial, long-term positive impact rather than a one-time effort. A selection committee will review all nominations following the 60-day submission window. After the review of applications, an award will be presented to the recipient at a future City Council meeting.
Last year’s inaugural recipient of the Keys to the City honor was Easthampton Community Center Executive Director Robin Bialecki, an Easthampton resident for almost four decades and the center’s executive director since 2008. The Easthampton Community Center provides a food pantry, Community Care Kitchen, and a Clothing Closet, along with meeting space for community groups and holiday or celebratory gatherings.
Derby said that Bialecki’s passion and commitment through her work at the community center inspired him to find a way to recognize her contribution to the community. He said this program became a great way to showcase the great things people are doing in the community.
“I’m really excited that we have opened applications again. I’m hoping that people will see what a valuable opportunity this is to show and put a spotlight on some of the great stuff that’s happening in our community,” Derby added. “Last year, when we gave Robin the keys, it was powerful. It was a packed room of people there to support someone who does such good for our community, and it was a special opportunity and moment, so I’m really hoping to recreate that, to keep this moving, and keep it alive to encourage people to try and step up for Easthampton and to help their neighbors.”
Nominations will remain open until Sunday, Oct. 11. To learn more about the program or to submit a nomination online, visit easthamptonma.gov/975/Keys-to-the-City.
