NORWICH – The Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) Board of Directors, joined by various city residents and officials, met Friday morning for its annual business meeting and breakfast gathering, and recognized Sharon Jeffer with the 12th Annual Commitment to Community Award.

Jeffer, who has owned and operated The Parson’s Daughter, 6 West Park Place, since 2002, was presented the award following a brief introduction by BID Board of Directors President Deb Sylstra, who called the local candy and confectionery store “quite a wonderful addition to the community.”

Sylstra stated Jeffer was ultimately chosen due to the many boards, councils and committees she’s been a part of, and added she is “very generous to the other members of the community” and “not afraid to try new things.”

“Sharon has been an active part of the community for many years,” said Sylstra, who’s known Jeffer for over 30 years. “She continually offers recommendations, always has a positive attitude and plays a supportive role and interacts well with others.”

“It’s a beautiful thing to be recognized for any accomplishment and for doing something good,” said Jeffer, who considered The Parson’s Daughter to be “splendidly insignificant, unusual and great.”

When it comes to her personal life, local business and the community as a whole, Jeffer said, “I do things because it feels good and feels right and that seems to work,” and added her local candy store is “kind of like chocolate – it’s what’s on the inside that counts.”