Citizen of the Year Award

Each year at the Fourth of July Picnic, the Town Council presents the Citizen of the Year Award to a local resident or residents who have made an exceptional contribution to the quality of life in our community.

This award recognizes individuals whose dedication, leadership, volunteerism, and commitment have helped preserve and strengthen the unique character of Elfin Forest and Harmony Grove.

To nominate someone for this honor, please contact the Town Council.

Below is a list of past honorees. Their contributions to our community are so extensive that it would take many pages to fully recognize all they have accomplished on behalf of their neighbors and the place we call home.

2025:

2024:

2023:

2022:

2021:

2020:

2019:

2018:

2017:

2016: Lori Vitale

2015: Bonnie Baumgartner

2014: JP Theberge

2013: Melanie Fallon

2012: Mary Cross

The Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Town Council is proud and delighted to name Debbie O'Neill this year's Community Citizen of the Year.  

Debbie O'Neill first came to the Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove community in 1982 and in 2001 built her home here with her husband Jon and daughters Erin and Jessica. Over the years she has given back generously to the community. Debbie served as a Board Member and Secretary for the Town Council from 2019–2025 and has managed the accounting for the Town Council since 2019. Additionally, Debbie has lent her talents to preparing events for the community through her work on the 4th of July Parade and Picnic committee since 2018 and the Keepin' It Rural Trail Run committee since 2015.

A retired Speech-Language Pathologist, Debbie spent her career working with students with disabilities in the public school setting. She enjoys traveling, camping, reading, daily hiking, and tending her California native garden and wildlife refuge at her Harmony Grove home.

Thank you, Debbie!

2011: Jeff and Carolyn Swenerton

2010: Jacqueline Arsivaud-Benjamin and Eric Anderson

2009: Peggy Petitmermet

2008: Karen Gardner

2007: Joe Alemanni 

2006: Charles and Jennifer Coburn

2005: Mid Hoppenrath

2004: Doug Dill

2003: Frank Oddo and Lynda Clerke

2002: Susan and David Cronshaw

2001: Claudia and Tim Costanzo

2000: Evelyn Alemanni

1999: Frank and Pat McCullough

1998: Sue and Rob Hi