Norwich – Harbor Management Commission Chairman John Paul Mereen is this year's recipient of the Ron Aliano Service to Norwich award to be presented during a May 30 silent auction fundraiser for the annual July 4 fireworks festival.

The award, named in honor of the deceased owner of the Marina at American Wharf, is bestowed each year to a person dedicated to the development of the city.

Mereen was chosen for his many years of involvement in city government, boards and commissions and civic events. Mereen is founder and producer of the “Rock the Docks” summer concert series at the Howard T. Brown Memorial Park and was past president of the Rose Arts Festival.

Mereen is chairman of the Harbor Management Commission, which is working to improve the Norwich Harbor area and promote it as a region-wide fishing destination. He also is a member of the Norwich Golf Course Authority. He served for 12 years on the City Council and also served on the Baseball Stadium Authority.

“JP Mereen was chosen for his tireless work in support of programs which support not only economic development but improve the quality of life in the city of Norwich,” the fireworks festival committee wrote in the press release naming Mereen.

The award presentation and auction event will be held May 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the banquet tent at the Marina at American Wharf. The event will feature food from local restaurants, a cash bar and the silent auction. Tickets are $10 and are available in advance by calling (860) 961-3943.

The fireworks committee is seeking donations for the silent auction. For information, contact Michael Franklin at (860) 460-8144.