Distinguished Citizen Award Honorees for 2007
James Holden - Has a long track record of working in our community and with our young people. Whether it's going on camping trips, welcoming youth into his home or immunizing the poor, Jim is all about lending a helping hand. When Jim's son was in Scouting, he became a Committee Chair to re-activate a local Boy Scout Group. He attended Camp Babcock-Hovey to help those Webelos earn enough badges to become Boy Scouts. Jim and his wife Jane have hosted a number of Youth Exchange students from around the world. He has served our community well, serving on the Canandaigua Town Board, YMCA Board, Salvation Army Advisory Board and Tourism Board, and as the Town Supervisor and Ontario County Supervisor. In 1995, the Greater Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce named Jim "Mr. Canandaigua". He has also earned Rotary's "Paul Harris Fellow" multiple times and has been named "Rotarian of the Year" numerous times. His touch not only helps children in our area, but Jim has also traveled around the world for Rotary, not only for many International Conferences, and Friendship Exchanges, but in 2002 he went to Nigeria to vaccinate children for Polio Plus. In 2003 he worked in Bolivia to help with a Salvation Army Hospital. A Mechanical Engineer from Bradley University, Jim worked at Mobil Plastics until his retirement in 1988, but didn't sit idle. He then designed and built a Student Housing Complex serving the students attending Finger Lakes Community College. And now as Governor of Rotary District #7120, Jim has many plans and ideas as he "Leads the Way". The Finger Lakes Council takes great pride in presenting the Distinguished Citizen Award to Jim Holden.
Mark Crane - Is a behind the scenes kind of guy. He is owner of Mark's Pizzeria, but probably spends as much time helping the community as he does running his business. He starting his successful business while in his early 20's based upon a strong work ethic and determination. He is a "can do" person, always ending a conversation with "Let me know if I can help you". As a boy growing up in Fairport, NY, Mark joined the Cub Scouts and completed the Webelos Program. He was active in sport, running for the track team and serving as captain of the football team. Mark's propensity to help others and be philanthropic has carried over into his adult life. he organized a charity golf tournament to benefit St. Mary's Oncology Center which has raised considerable money for thirteen years straight. He has helped scores of charitable organizations throughout his service area (Central New York) too numerous to mention. Recently, Mark tackled a huge charitable project for Camp Babcock-Hovey, rebuilding the mile long main camp road, involving several weeks of work and considerable investment to time and money. When asked why he is motivated to be so giving of his time and resources, Mark replied, "I just hope that others will step up to the plate and do likewise; maybe some of this attitude will rub off on others". Mark and his wife, Colleen, reside in Fairport with their three children. The Finger Lakes Council takes great pride in presenting the Distinguished Citizen Award to Mark Crane.
Ethel Peters - Was born in Geneva. She attended Geneva City Schools and did her undergraduate studies at SUNY Geneseo. She did her graduate studies at Syracuse University. She married Paul Peters and went on to have one son, Paul Jr. He and his wife Rhonda gave birth to Ethel's beautiful granddaughters, Johnna and Jennifer. Ethel began her teaching career in Victor, NY for 2 years before returning to the Geneva School system. She taught in Geneva for 32 years becoming the Assistant Principal and then the Principal at West Street School, where she retired in 1992 . Ethel's life has always revolved around service. Service to her community, her church, and her political affiliation has kept Ethel a very busy lady. Ethel was the first female elected tot he Ontario County Board of Supervisors. She also was the first female Vice Chairman as well as the first female to conduct a meeting for the Board of Supervisors. She also served on the Geneva City Council representing the 2nd ward. Her other community activities include, but are not limited to: serving on the St. Michael's Orthodox Church Council, serving on the Ontario County Traffic Safety Board and Stop DWI Board since its inception, and a Members of the Happiness House United Cerebral Palsy Board serving as chairman. She was on the Ontario County United Way Board for one year. She serves on the Ontario County Republican Committee as well as serving as the Chairman of the Geneva City Republican Committee. She chaired the Smith Opera House Bicentennial Educational Committee, and serves on the Geneva Scholarship Committee for Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She is on the Advisory Board for Appointment to Military Academics. She serves on the Interfaith Council, the Geneva Historical Society Board and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She is a lifetime member of the National PTA and a lifetime member of the Local and State Retired Teachers. The Finger Lakes Council takes great pride in presenting the Distinguished Citizen Award to Ethel Peters.