Lynn McCarthy Named 2012 Wayzata Citizen of the Year

Lynn McCarthy, a community member passionate about making Wayzata a great place to live, was awarded the prestigious title of Wayzata Citizen of the Year during the Dec. 18 Wayzata City Council meeting.

There to present a revised mission statement for Wayzata's Volunteer Program to the Council, Lynn was taken off guard when Mayor Willcox presented her with the award.

“I feel like I’m between shock and awe,” said McCarthy. “It certainly is a shock. And I am in awe of the kindness in recognizing the work that has been done by all the volunteers.”

During the budget cuts in 2010, Lynn organized and led the Volunteer Steering Committee which was designed to mitigate the reductions in city services. Three important initiatives were established: the planting of selected city gardens and the Adopt-a-Garden program; administrative support in the Public Works department and “as needed help” at City Hall; and an activities program at the Boardwalk Senior Apartments.

All three of these initiatives addressed departments or organizations which were affected by the budget cuts. Under Lynn’s outstanding dedication, leadership, professionalism and organization, the volunteers have made tremendous contributions to the community and have become a part of the fabric of Wayzata.

"I want to accept this award for the volunteers that work so hard, " added McCarthy. "Another person I want to make mention of is our outgoing Council Member Mary Bader. Mary served as our mentor for three years and kept us on the straight and narrow. She was very good at that."