2024 Award Winners
Since 1987, the Citizens for Ponce Inlet (C4PI) Organization has proudly recognized outstanding residents of Ponce Inlet for their exceptional contributions to our community. Each year, the C4PI Citizen of the Year Award is bestowed upon one individual or couple who exemplifies dedication and service. Additionally, the C4PI Lifetime Achievement Awards honor one or more individuals who have demonstrated remarkable volunteerism spanning 20 years or more.
Join us in honoring these exceptional contributors who embody the spirit of service and community pride in Ponce Inlet.
Citizens of the Year
Kathy and Joe Cannon
We are delighted to announce that Kathy and Joe Cannon have been honored with the Citizen of the Year Award for their unwavering and outstanding contributions to our community.
Since arriving in Ponce Inlet, Kathy and Joe have embraced our town with open hearts and steadfast dedication. Joe Cannon has been a vital member of the Town Planning Board for 14 years, beginning in 2010, and has served as Chairperson for the past 12 years. He continues to actively contribute to the board. Kathy Cannon has served on the Town’s Code Enforcement Board for eight years, starting in 2016, and currently holds the position of Vice-Chair.
Together, Kathy and Joe form a dedicated team, volunteering at numerous town events. They have consistently gone above and beyond at the Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, the Children’s Halloween Party, the Town’s Christmas Tree Lighting, the Christmas Parade, the Garden Club’s events, the Historic North Turn Legends Beach Parade, and many other town activities.
Additionally, Kathy and Joe have served on the Board of the Citizens for Ponce Inlet for the past 5 years, with Joe as Vice-President and Kathy as Secretary. Kathy and Joe Cannon exemplify the qualities of outstanding community members and are truly deserving of the Citizen of the Year Award. Their continued contributions and heartfelt love for Ponce Inlet make them a cherished part of our community.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Nancy Epps
We are proud to announce Nancy Epps as the recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional service and dedication to the Ponce Inlet community.
Nancy’s commitment to public service began in 1998 with the Volunteer Fire Association, where she served until 2012, holding roles as both Secretary and President. She trained as a first responder for fire and medical emergencies, showcasing her dedication to the safety and well-being of her neighbors.
In 1999, Nancy contributed to the Charter Review Committee, and from 2002 to 2005, she served as a Council Member. Her leadership skills were further recognized when she became Mayor from 2005 to 2008, presiding over the first meeting in the new Town Hall Council Chambers. During her tenure, she served on the Executive Committee of the Volusia Council of Governments and the board of the Water Authority of Volusia (WAV). Additionally, Nancy has been a citizen member of the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization (R2CTPO) and currently serves as an alternate on R2CTPO’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Nancy has been a dedicated member of the Ponce Inlet Lions Club since 2009, serving as President from 2012 to 2014 and from 2018 to the present. She actively participates in community events such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations, Ponce Preserves the Planet, and the Christmas Parade. Her roles within the Lions Club extend to District 35-0 Zone Chair, LCIF District 35-0 Coordinator, Guiding Lion for the West Volusia Action Team, Club Branch Liaison to the Daytona Beach-Conklin Davis Lions Club Branch, and diabetes screener.
Since August 2011, Nancy has also been the President of Ponce Inlet Animal Welfare (PAWS), where she assists in the trapping, spaying/neutering, and care of free-roaming colony cats in the area. She organized the Mardi Claws dog-owner parade in 2012, adding another dimension to her community involvement.
Nancy Epps’ extensive service record, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Ponce Inlet make her a deserving recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. We are grateful for her continuous efforts to enhance our community.
Judy Huggins
We are delighted to announce that Judy Huggins has been honored with our Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to the Ponce Inlet community.
Ron and Judy moved to Ponce Inlet in 2002, having been familiar with the area since keeping their boat at Inlet Harbor since 1992. Judy quickly became involved in community activities, joining the Garden Club immediately upon arrival. Her first major volunteer role was serving as Garden Club President from 2006 to 2008. Judy remains an active member, having chaired numerous committees, including the Craft Fair (twice), Vendor Chair (three times), Yearbook Chair (for ten years), Cookbook Chair, and Bus Trip Chair.
From 2003 until the town took over in 2019, Judy was a dedicated member of the Children’s Activity Committee, serving as President during the last two years. Even now, Ron and Judy can be found cooking hotdogs for guests at the Halloween events.
Judy’s commitment extends to various other community roles. She served as Treasurer for the Citizens for Ponce Inlet Committee from 2008 until around 2019. In 2008, Judy began her service with the Lighthouse, joining the Advisory Committee and later the Lighthouse Executive Board, where she still serves as Treasurer.
Judy’s participation has been invaluable to the Christmas Parade Committee, where she contributed for four years. Since 2004, she has also volunteered at the Community Center office, a role she continues to fulfill. Both Ron and Judy are Road Guards for the annual Legends Parade, ensuring the event runs smoothly and safely.
Judy was named Citizen of the Year in 2012, a testament to her dedication and impact on the community. Today, we are proud to recognize her exceptional service and unwavering commitment with a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. Judy’s efforts have greatly enriched the Ponce Inlet community, and we are grateful for her continued involvement and leadership.
Shirley Okhovatian
We are proud to announce Shirley Okhovatian as the recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication and exceptional service to the Ponce Inlet community.
A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and resident of Ponce Inlet, FL, Shirley’s commitment to her community is truly exemplary.
Shirley pursued her education at the University of Central Florida and Stetson University, achieving her CPA designation in September 1991. After moving to Ponce Inlet in December 1999, Shirley’s community involvement began when she sought gardening advice at the Ponce Inlet Community Center. There, she met Shirley Hibbert and joined the Garden Club of Ponce Inlet in 2000, actively participating until her professional and family responsibilities took precedence.
Beyond gardening, Shirley made significant contributions to community development, notably serving on the Land Acquisition Advisory Board during the Ponce Preserve land acquisition. In 2006, she partnered with Chief Steve Thomas to establish the Ponce Inlet Police Athletic League, Inc. (PIPAL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local youth through various initiatives.
Since 2010, Shirley has been a vital member of the Ponce Inlet Lions Club, holding positions such as board member, Treasurer, and President for four years. She continues to serve as Treasurer today. In 2015, Shirley was instrumental in transforming the Ponce Inlet Women’s Club into a nonprofit organization, working with Romona Thomas to amend the club’s articles.
In 2016, Jim Hinson sought Shirley’s financial expertise for the Ponce Inlet Community Center Inc. She has since voluntarily provided monthly financial and annual tax reporting, contributing eight years of dedicated service. In 2018, she assisted President Liz Finch in establishing the not-for-profit Garden Club of Ponce Inlet Foundation, Inc., facilitating a significant donation.
Shirley’s most recent accomplishment in May 2023 involved collaborating with Sue Fillion and Judy DiCarlo to create a not-for-profit amendment for the Citizens of Ponce Inlet, securing their nonprofit status.
Shirley Okhovatian stands as a pillar of community service, consistently leveraging her skills and experience to enhance the well-being of Ponce Inlet and its residents. We are proud to honor her exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to our community.
Ellen Pagliarulo
We are honored to announce that Ellen Pagliarulo has been awarded the Citizens for Ponce Inlet 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary dedication to our community.
Ellen and her husband Rocky moved to Ponce Inlet in 1985, and she soon began her extensive volunteer service. By the time Ellen received the 2013 Citizen of the Year Award, she had already dedicated 15 years to the town’s Code Enforcement Board, serving as Chair for 10 of those years, and had been a member of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Association’s Advisory Board for a decade. Ellen played a key role in fundraising for the Lighthouse’s 125th Anniversary Celebration.
Ellen’s volunteer efforts have spanned over 35 years, during which she not only contributed her own time but also inspired others to volunteer. Today, she celebrates over 20 years on the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Board and over 10 years on the Citizens for Ponce Inlet Board, stepping down this year due to health reasons.
When presenting Ellen with the 2013 Citizen of the Year Award, Tami Lewis remarked, “Ellen’s passion is infectious and she can bring people together for just about any cause.” This sentiment rings true, as Ellen has motivated countless volunteers in our community over the years.
Ellen’s presence was a fixture at community events. She was known for her participation on Election Day, standing outside the Community Center with a political sign in hand, and for her support at almost all town activities.
Ellen Pagliarulo has truly given her all to Ponce Inlet, and we are thrilled to honor her with the Citizens for Ponce Inlet 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Her unwavering commitment and passion have left a lasting impact on our community.
2023 Award Winner:
Citizen of the Year - Pat Morris
When Pat and her husband Mark, last’s years Citizen of the Year, decided to retire to Ponce Inlet in 2014 they made a decision that while they were retiring from their careers in Pennsylvania, they wanted to become and stay active as volunteers in their new hometown of Ponce Inlet.
Upon permanently moving to Ponce Inlet in 2015, Pat joined the Ponce Inlet Lions Club where, over the years, she became a Director and served as Board Secretary for the Club from 2019 through 2021. While no longer on the Board of Directors, Pat continues to serve with the Lions Club and for the last three years has worked, along with her husband Mark, organizing and running the Lions Club Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament. This event is the Lions Club largest fundraiser of the year and last year this event raised over $12,000. Pat, again working alongside her husband and on behalf of the Lions, is also responsible for the Food Pantry at RJ Longstreet School, which provides assistance for children and families struggling with food insecurities. Prior to Covid, Pat also served as a teacher’s assistant for 1st grade students from Longstreet School.
Pat previously volunteered at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse as a Lighthouse Guide for two years prior to Covid. In doing so, Pat enjoyed meeting out-of-town visitors, school children and residents of our community, all while learning about the History of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Pat especially enjoyed her tours with the school children and volunteering for the Climb to the Moon events at the Lighthouse.
Pat currently serves on the Ponce Inlet Community Center Board of Trustees and has done so since 2019. She is an active participant on the PICC Board and enjoys working on the various fundraising events, including the Community Center’s Flea Market, Soup and Salad, and Frank Sinatra and Irish Night Parties. Pat has also worked with the other volunteer Board members while working on improvements that have been made to the improve the appearance of the Center. Pat also works as a volunteer in the Community Center Office.
In 2019 Pat joined the Garden Club of Ponce Inlet and in 2020 began serving on its Board of Directors. Her first Director position with the Garden Club was as its 1st Vice President. But in November 2021 Pat took over as President of the Club when the previous President had to resign due to personal reasons. Pat is passionate about being a member of the Garden Club and serving as its President and has just recently been elected to serve as President through 2025. For the past 3 years Pat has also served as Co-Chair for the Garden’s Club Annual Arts, Crafts and Plant Show held every October. This particular show, for those of you who don’t know, has been a fixture in our community for 40 years now. Pat helps organize and run its Annual Ice Cream Social which is a fun event for residents of our community and participates with the Club in Ponce Inlet Christmas Parade and Ponce Preserves the Plant. Pat clearly enjoys meeting and working with the members of the Garden Club and looks forward to serving once again as their President.
Most recently, Pat volunteered to become a Director with CFPi. In this new position, one of Pat’s primary roles will be Oversite of C4PI’s Website. Pat looks forward to serving with the CFPI Board and continuing volunteering and serving our community in any way she can.
2023 Lifetime Achievement Awards
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Barbara Davis
27 Years ago, Barbara Davis received the Citizen of the Year Award from our Organization for her extraordinary volunteer efforts:
Barbara Davis was appointed to the first PI advisory committee one year after moving to Ponce Inlet. She has served on other committees from 1990 to present which include:
- Volunteer Animal Control Services
- Ordinance Review Committee
- Chairman, Tree Board
- Planning Commission – twice
- Treasurer, Committee for Ponce Preserve to obtain funding from Florida Communities Trust for Ponce Preserve.
- 1993 Race Director, Arbor Day 5K (10 years)
- 2000 – 2003 Race for the Cure
- 2003 & 2004 she was Chairman of the Friends of Ponce Preserve.
- Ponce Inlet representative for Halifax/Indian River Task Force,
- She was Ponce Inlet’s coordinator for Coastal Cleanup and River Clean Up and was on the Ponce Inlet Visioning Committee.
Even now, after all these years and past accomplishments, Barbara is still volunteering ,in many ways doing things most citizens don’t even realize. If you are ever out and about in town you will see Barbara walking the beach or on her bicycle. When she comes across someone who is handicapped in some way or needs something, she is always there to help. Many days you will see her in the water teaching grandkids of residents how to surf, boogie board, paddle board or just play in the water. She teaches about the turtles and during the season you can still find her working on projects with turtles cleaning up the beach or organizing others to help. She recently created a beautiful Christmas Tree with individually designed and painted ornaments and a painted surfboard to help with fund raising for the Marine Science Center. Any time she is asked to help with an art project she is right there to lend a hand and when she hears of young ones here in town who want to learn to draw or play music she is always there with instruments or art supplies ready to help.
Along with her volunteer work she has been a member of the Garden Club, Women’s Club and Lighthouse and volunteers for all the children’s events in town. Just recently, Barbara was instrumental in encouraging the town to build the pickleball court at Pollard Park and has always advocated for the preservation of trees and parks here in town.
After all her many years of community service, I believe Barbara should receive our Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023.
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: MaryAnn Redinger
MaryAnn and her husband Alan moved to Ponce Inlet in November 1992. They had been visiting often in the previous two or three years because they had friends from up north who owned a home in Ponce. They were drawn to the area and decided to make it their home. Since they still owned a business in Kansas, Alan remained busy with that. MaryAnn had gone from working 60 hours a week to being a lady of leisure. MaryAnn knew of the Community Center and began volunteering in the office. There she met a lot of folks form Ponce Inlet. Among them was Kay Davies who was on the PICC Board and was very active. MaryAnn and Kay became friends and she encouraged MaryAnn to become a member of the Board, which she did in 1993 or 1994. Beverley Girolami was President of the Board when MaryAnn first became a board member. MaryAnn served on the PICC Board for well over 20 years, many of those years as Recording Secretary.
It was also MaryAnn’s pleasure to serve as Treasurer of Citizen’s for Ponce Inlet for many years. When MaryAnn first started, postcards were sent out once a year to remind folks to pay their membership fee of $10 per year. Times have sure changed since then.
One of MaryAnn favorite activities is being a member of the Garden Club of Ponce Inlet. MaryAnn is active in many areas and very community minded as a group. She served as Treasurer for the balance of the term when the current Treasurer had to move away. After that, MaryAnn was chosen to be the Recording Secretary and held that position for many years.
In addition, MaryAnn offer her help for other various local events as often as possible. MaryAnn’s husband was always very supportive of her volunteer work and made it possible for her to dedicate her time and efforts. MaryAnn received the Citizen of the Year Award in 2005 and her husband Alan was honored with the same award in 2010. It was definitely very fulfilling for Mary Ann and Alan to live in the beautiful little community and to help maintain their way of life.
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Don Hampton
In 2012 Don Hampton was CFPI’S Citizen of the Year for his many years of volunteer service to our community. Looking through old CFPI Newsletters (many of which Don designed for printing over the years) we found the following
Don Hampton is a true Florida native. Born at Halifax hospital, Don grew up in the Daytona Beach area and settled in Ponce Inlet with his family, following in his mother’s footsteps, (Wilda Hampton, who was our 1991 COTY and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016), Don has been a community leader for many years. He has rapidly become one of Ponce inlet’s “old timers”. Don served on the Board of Trustees for the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Association for over 10 years. In 1999 Don was elected to Town Council and served as a Council Member and Vice Mayor until 2001.
After his term on the Town Council, Don continued his community service on the Planning Commission. He was a member of the Planning Commission until 2002. That same year the town started the Visioning process, charting a Course for Ponce Inlet and Don was appointed as a member of the committee by the Planning Commission. Back in 2012 when he received the Citizen of the Year Award, Don was President of the Citizens for Ponce Inlet Organization . Don just retired his position as President of the Organization a few weeks ago after more than 25 years of Board service and remains on the Advisory Board as an Executive Advisor.
There are probably many other town activities that are missed in this summary of volunteer activities. Isn’t Ponce Inlet lucky to have such a committed and loyal resident who has been willing to sacrifice many years of his time to help make Ponce Inlet such a great place for all of us to live.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS:
| Year | Recipient #1 | Recipient #2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | John Mark Oebbecke | |
| 2021 | No Awards (Covid) | No Awards (Covid) |
| 2020 | Peter Finch | |
| 2019 | Joe DiCarlo | |
| 2018 | Judy DiCarlo | |
| 2017 | Gary Smith | |
| 2016 | Mary Hoss | |
| 2015 | Liz Finch | |
| 2014 | Wini Irvin | |
| 2013 | Jerry McHugh | Ellen Pagliarulo |
| 2012 | Don Hampton | Judy Huggins |
| 2011 | Bill Dauksis | Diane Smith |
| 2010 | Kristi Drumheller | Alan Redinger |
| 2009 | Faye McHugh | Vic McClellan |
| 2008 | Margi Richard | Jim Irvin |
| 2007 | Tami Lewis | Mary Lou Hinson |
| 2006 | Jim Hinson | Marlene Heiden |
| 2005 | Mary Ann Redinger | Gene Hynds |
| 2004 | Joe Grasso | Tony Raia |
| 2003 | Robert Gregory | Donna Gunn |
| 2002 | Marge Bogert | Charles Spitzfaden |
| 2001 | Al Weedman | Steve Williams |
| 2000 | Susie Hagey | Kathryn Truswell |
| 1999 | Darlene Nichols | Bill Hibbert |
| 1998 | Hazel Dauksis | Walt Bogert |
| 1997 | Shirley Hibbert | James Utter |
| 1996 | Barbara Davis | Ann Caneer |
| 1995 | Gretchen Zale | Tom Kean |
| 1994 | Sherry Utter | Vivian Girolami |
| 1993 | Barbara Lunde | Earl Davis |
| 1992 | Carolyn Diemicke | Edwina Knox |
| 1991 | Ayers Davies | Wilda Hampton |
| 1990 | Ruth Petrov | Carolyn Sprague |
| 1989 | Kay Davies | Tony Girolami |
| 1988 | Wanda Dellacasa | Meyer Sussman |
| 1987 | Constance Hunter | Bob Burns |
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS:
| Year | Recipient #1 | Recipient #2 | Recipient #3 | Recipient # 4 | Recipient #5 | Recipient #6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tara Lamb | Alan Deke DiCostanzo | ||||
| 2021 | No Awards (Covid) | No Awards (Covid) | No Awards (Covid) | No Awards (Covid) | No Awards (Covid) | No Awards (Covid) |
| 2020 | Edson Graham | Sherry Utter | ||||
| 2019 | Robyn Hurd | Mary Hoss | ||||
| 2018 | ||||||
| 2017 | Jim Hinson | Mary Lou Hinson | Carolyn Diemicke | |||
| 2016 | Ewina Knox | Wilda Hampton | Carolyn Sprague | Hazel Dauksis | Bill Hibbert | Shirley Hibbert |
| 2014 | Gladys Davis | Earl Davis | ||||
| 2010 | Constance Hunter | |||||
| 2004 | Tony Girolami | |||||
| 2002 | Ayers Davies | Kay Davies |