In 2005, Needham resident and community activist Patrick Forde passed away unexpectedly at the age of 51. Patrick was a person who cared deeply about Needham and about youth and families. His community involvement included being a Town Meeting member as well as the Commissioner of Trust Funds.  Above all, Patrick was best known for being a “good person.”

Patrick was extremely supportive of the work of the Needham Youth Services (formerly known as the Needham Youth Commission) and understood the importance of families and of the healthy growth of youth. In an effort to honor Patrick, this award has been established by the Needham Youth Commission and will be given annually to a Needham resident who embodies his spirit.

This award will recognize an adult in the community who has helped make Needham a better place to live through his/her volunteer work and commitment. The recipient will be a person of high character, a person who has contributed in some significant way to Needham children, youth, and/or families, and a person who has enhanced those with whom they interacted.

Each year a ceremony is held to honor our recipient.

This year’s presentation is scheduled for:

Monday January 25, 2010

5:00 pm

Needham Public Library

 

View the Intation to the 2010 Event Honoring
Bill Dermody 

Watch the DVD from the 2010 award ceremony

View pictures from the 2010 award ceremony

 

 

The recipient of this award must:

·        Be a Needham resident

·        Be at least 21 years of age

·        Not be paid for their work with children, youth, and/or families for which they are being nominated

Nomination forms are available at the Needham Youth Services office in Town Hall or online. If nominees are not selected after one year but are still engaged in activities to benefit youth, children, and/or families, their nomination will remain active for a second year.

Nominations are accepted at any time throughout the year. Each November, one candidate will be selected by a sub-committee of two (2) members of the Youth Commission Board of Directors.

2010    Bill Dermody (View pictures from the award ceremony) or (Watch the DVD)
2009    Clyde "Solar Sam" Weihe (View pictures from the award ceremony) or (Watch the DVD)
2008    Connie Barr (View the pictures from the award ceremony)
2007    Richard Remnitz (View the pictures from the award ceremony)


                       For further information about this award or to nominate a person,
                       please contact the Youth Commission at 781-455-7518 or by e-mail