Nominations Sought for Golden Shovel Awards

This winter season of extensive snowfalls gave Montgomery County residents great need for snow removal. For some, shoveling sidewalks was either an unmanageable challenge or posed a possible danger to their health. Fortunately, throughout the County, there were residents who cleared their own sidewalks—and also helped neighbors in need. To recognize those who helped neighbors by shoveling additional sidewalks, Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen is reintroducing the (Sidewalks Are For Everyone) SAFE/Golden Shovel Awards.

The Golden Shovel Awards program was started in 2003 by Councilmember Floreen to honor residents who laced up their boots to help neighbors shovel out. After the program’s four-year hiatus due to a lack of significant snow, Councilmember Floreen is again seeking to recognize residents who went “above and beyond” to help neighbors clear ice and snow from sidewalks.

“Our seniors, school children, people with disabilities and those who walk to work or use mass transit depend on snow-free sidewalks,” said Councilmember Floreen. “This goes beyond convenience—it is a matter of public safety. I certainly hope that residents will nominate individuals for a Golden Shovel who put the Golden Rule to work.”

Nominees must be County residents and recommended by another person. Those completing the form are asked to describe in detail why the candidate should receive an award. Nominations will be considered based on efforts to clear snow from sidewalks in the County.

Nominations must be mailed or e-mailed by March 31. Individuals to be recognized will be honored at a County Council session in April.

View or print a SAFE Sidewalks/Golden Shovel Award Nomination Form. Forms are also are available in The Gazette Newspapers.

Mailed nominations can be sent to: Montgomery County Council, SAFE/Golden Shovel Award, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850. To send by email, provide all the information requested in the nomination form to: councilmember.floreen@montgomerycountymd.gov