A Jamestown man is to be the fourth annual recipient at 4 p.m. today in the Jamestown City Hall lobby of the Axel W. Carlson Award.
It recognizes people who have contributed significantly in a volunteer capacity without seeking personal recognition or financial gain.
The $1,000 award and a plaque is to go to George Park Sr. of 1065-1/2 N. Main St. in recognition of his years of volunteer service to a number of area organizations.
Park is confined to a wheelchair but for 10 years assisted as a driver and in several other capacities to the American Cancer Society. Among them were many fund-raising activities that included bicycling, running, and canoe events – along with taking registrations and selling items to raise money for the society.
He sold daffodils on behalf of the Cancer Society daily during the duration of such sales, until it was determined he was allergic to the flowers. His son, George “Skip” Park Jr. then took up where his father left off.
During one such sale, the older Park sold 3,600 daffodils for 25 cents each, realizing $900 on behalf of the society.
He also has done volunteer work benefiting Jamestown Lions Club, the March of Dimes, the Heart Association, and the Veterans Association, along with transporting patients to Buffalo Children’s Hospital.
The designated award recipient is a disability retiree of MRC Bearings. He was nominated for the recognition by Rowena Vanstrom of the American Cancer Society.
Previous Carlson Award winners are David Robbins in 1986, Mr. and Mrs. William Bellavia in 1987, and Segundo Pantojas last year. Robert D. Young Jr. is chairman of the award committee.
The fund making the award possible is managed by Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.
