Award process changes

The selection process for the annual Pride & Progress Awards has been revised for the first time since the award’s introduction in 2004.

To ensure confidentiality, trustees will no longer vote in public session on the slate of finalists selected by the judges. Judges for the awards include Mayor Hap Gilbert and three members of the Economic Development Committee which he chairs, in addition to three residents selected at random from among the other Village committees.

The new nominating form has two questions to be answered in 200 words or less. Nomination forms are available at Village Hall and due by Oct. 15 in the categories of humanitarianism or economic development.

“We may or may not have any [awards] this year,” said Mayor Hap Gilbert. “It depends on the quality of the nominees.”