Mayor Dwyer: Special Recognition for 2021 Citizen of the Year

To say the past year has been challenging would be a drastic understatement. Finding hope during difficult times seems to be what we all need, and two residents strove to help us all find light during these dark and trying days. For that reason, Nancy Taylor-Clifford and husband, Jim Clifford, have been chosen by the Greenwood Lake Village Board as our 2021 Citizens of the Year. Not only will Jim and Nancy lead the 2021 Independence Day Parade this year, they will join a prominent list of extraordinary citizens within our community. 

By their unbreakable bond and love for our community, one would think Jim and Nancy were born and raised in Greenwood Lake. However, Jim’s English accent would quickly tip you off to the contrary. Their dedication to our community is extensively documented going back to the 80’s during the waning days of an era known as “Groovy Greenwood Lake.”

Nancy and Jim, as a team balancing family life with volunteerism have a long list of civic contributions. Both were members of the Volunteer Ambulance Corp, boy and girl scout leaders, soccer coach, organizers of the G.L. Boat Parade, organizers of the “Let the Children Play” project – which was a campaign to construct a playground at the Elementary School, founders of the Middle School Talent show and so much more. 

But they are not being selected just because of their many decades of community service. What stood out to the Village Board were the contributions made recently during and just before the pandemic. Jim and Nancy created incredibly cheerful projects that got the community involved in ways that were safe and meaningful during the last year when our kids and families needed it most. “GWL Rocks,” “We Love GWL” and
“Smile 3152” will provide long lasting community pride and enjoyment for years to come. On behalf of the Village Board for the Village of Greenwood Lake, we declare Nancy and Jim Clifford our 2021 Citizens of the Year. 

Operation Clean Sweep

2021 Operation Clean Sweep is being coordinated Town-wide by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and locally by the GWL Chamber of Commerce. This year, volunteers will meet this Sat., Apr. 24 at 8 a.m. in CVS Field where they can grab gloves and bags for the cleanup. This is a great way to earn volunteer hours and help clean up our community!