Groton Utilities is accepting nominations for the eighth annual Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award. The purpose of the award is to honor a member of the community who has contributed his or her time, energy and resources to make the community a better place in which to live and work.

Persons eligible for the award should live in Greater Groton, which encompasses the City of Groton, the Town of Groton, and any of the subdivisions or fire districts. The person should exemplify all the qualities suggested by Groton Utilities’ slogan of “Giving back to the community.” One should immediately think of the nominees as generous, committed, and having other admirable qualities, which exemplify service.

Groton Utilities will present the award to the winner of the eighth annual Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award on August 5th, at City of Groton Day in Washington Park.

Groton Utilities named the award, The Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award, to commemorate Mrs. Nixon’s service to her community. Jackie, as she was known to most, operated a food pantry in her residence for 24 years. She distributed food on a regular basis to many needy families. Jackie passed away July 2, 2004 after a brief battle with cancer.

The closing date for nominations is July 8, 2011. Applications may be obtained at the Groton Utilities Customer Care Center at the City of Groton Municipal Building at 295 Meridian Street. You may also call our Customer Care Center at 860-446-4000 and request an application be mailed or e-mailed to you. The applications are also available on our web site at www.grotonutilities.com.

Earle A. Williams was the recipient of the first Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award. Other winners were Robert “Bob” Leeney, E. Marion “Mimi” Orkney, Lillian “Lil” Hansen, Sarah Stanley, William “Bill” Welsh, Jr. and Alfred “Al” Restivo.