By Amanda Amsel
Staff Writer
The Franklin Township trustees are accepting nominations for the annual Juanita Kaufman Award.
Now in its seventh year, the award celebrates one community member for their dedication to enriching Franklin Township.
Named after Juanita Kaufman, a longtime resident and community leader of Franklin Township, the award is presented at the township’s annual National Night Out celebration.
“In 2008, the trustees decided as a thank you for how much I have done for the township they would create an award in my honor,” Kaufman said. “Community members would have to nominate someone that has gone above and beyond to enhance Franklin Township. If multiple people are nominated, the trustees would pick one person to receive the award.”
Each year a different person is chosen and the same person cannot win the award more than once.
National Night Out is an event that takes place in communities across the country on the first Tuesday of August. The crime prevention event aims to educate communities about local police programs and encourages anti-crime efforts. Some of the programs that are typically highlighted at National Night Out events include drug prevention efforts, local block watches and other local police efforts. This year, National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Central Baptist Church, 1955 Frank Road.
“In the past, people who have been nominated were people that cut the grass for others, shoveled snow and people that basically put effort into this community and were willing to help others without asking for anything in return,” said John Fleshman, Franklin Township trustee. “When this award was created, the trustees wanted to recognize people who did good in our community and hoped that this award would entice others to help out as well.”
Kaufman embodies that persona, organizing community cleanups, block watches and regularly attending the township trustees meeting.
With more than 400 people expected to attend this year’s National Night Out, this year’s recipient will soon be widely known throughout the community.
Nominations for the Juanita Kaufman Award can be found at www.franklin-township.com and should be submitted to the township by 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 30.
