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Citizen of the year nominees: making a difference

Tim Koshul and Andree Janyk

The Citizen of the Year Celebration:

The Citizen of the Year event is Whistler's longest running celebration - a truly local celebration that has been running since 1969. This honour is awarded once a year to an outstanding community member who contributes significant volunteer time to enhancing the quality of life in Whistler.

The event is an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions of our many volunteers. Volunteers are the backbone of our community.

This year six community members have been nominated for the award. Although there is only one winner each year, it is the collective contribution of all volunteers that make Whistler a wonderful community.

Leading up to this year's event on Nov. 6, Pique Newsmagazine is partnering with the Community Foundation of Whistler to acknowledge the contributions of two nominees per week.

Name: Tim Koshul

Time in Whistler: 4 years

Snapshot of Volunteer Contributions:

• Tim provided his time and energy leading a group of community members concerned about development and environmental issues in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood

• He researched the topic, created public information documents, participated in many RMOW council meetings, Question and Answer periods and worked with the media to increase wider awareness of the issue

• Tim organized a new organization called NAP (No Asphalt Plant)

• His work brought attention to the importance of citizen engagement and due public process

• He demonstrated public leadership on a contentious community issue

• He assisted friends and neighbours during a recent emergency in Spruce Grove and is always there, whether it's helping during an accident on the highway or caring for a lost pet

"Tim is an asset to the community. He does a lot for other people and is willing to help out in any circumstance. If you need a helping hand, he is there. He is a great ambassador of Whistler. Home is where the heart is and Tim is at the heart of the community." - Iona Lake, nominator

Name: Andrée Janyk

Time in Whistler: 35+ years

Snapshot of Volunteer Contributions:

• Founding member of the Blackcomb Ski Club and first volunteer program director

• Member of Whistler Secondary School Planning Committee for the opening of the school - one of the driving forces behind developing the "Athletes Program"

• Co-founder of Whistler Youth Soccer Club.

• Initiated the Summer Soccer Camps for the kids and coaching and referee courses for the adults and older players

• Member of the Parks and Recreational committee for 4 years

• Member of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce for 4 years

• Whistler 2020 Learning task force member since it was initiated and currently still a member

• Member of the B.C. School Sports Board for 3 years

• Brought the concept of Community Coaching to Whistler Secondary School by initiating the boys and girls soccer teams

• Started the Drama Club at Whistler Secondary in spring of 2003

• Assisted with expanding opportunities for youth in the Olympics - involved with VANOC to get the youth to work inside the fences

• Dedicated Weasel Worker since 1980

• Whistler Ski Club Volunteer - Club representative on the Coast zone and then Coast Zone chair and coast zone representative on the B.C. Alpine board. Recognized as B.C. Alpine Volunteer of the Year

• Volunteer for the Whistler Ski Club as a race organizer. Whistler Cup Race Volunteer of the Year

• Member of the Whistler OCP group

• Referee for Whistler Soccer Club - high school games and adult co-ed league

"Andrée has been a driving force in the development of sports and youth programs in our community for many years now. Whether through the ski club, soccer league or other programs, Andrée's dedication and contributions have enabled local athletes (young and old alike) to achieve their goals. She remains passionate about creating a great community and "walks the walk," as demonstrated through her current work with Whistler's Official Community Plan Advisory Group. I truly believe it is time that we acknowledge her contributions." - Bob Calladine, nominator

The Event:

This year's celebration will take place on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 in partnership with the Whistler Arts Council's "Our Whistler: Celebrating Our Stories" event at Millennium Place.

All past winners of the Citizen of the Year award, 2010 nominees and all members of the community are invited to enjoy an intimate evening of storytelling, tapas-style fare, live art and entertainment, and silent and live auctions. Cuisine prepared by executive chefs from the Fairmont Whistler, Nita Lake Lodge, the Mix, Players Chophouse, Elements and Quattro.

Tickets are $100 each and could be purchased through the Whistler Arts Council. A $50 charitable tax receipt will be issued per purchased ticket.