NORWICH – The Baden-Powell Council of the Boy Scouts of America has announced that W. Howard Sullivan is this year’s recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award for Chenango County.

Sullivan will be honored at a dinner to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. Selection was made for the award by a committee of local citizens which includes past recipients, and is co-chaired by Dave and Mary El Emerson. Last year’s recipient was Thomas Emerson.

This is the 28th Annual Distinguished Citizen of the Year dinner benefiting the local Scouting program. Each year, the Scouts recognize local community leaders for their outstanding contribution to the betterment of the community and service to their fellow citizens.

Howie Sullivan has been a passionate member of the community for over 45 years. He is most known for his years of service as a Judge, having presided over City, Family, Surrogate, County and Supreme Courts, and his commitment towards promoting the well-being of youth. He has dedicated his time and energy to numerous civic, social, and charitable organizations throughout Chenango County.

Reservations for the event may be made by contacting the Baden-Powell Council service center at 648-7888 or toll free at 1-877-674-8876 and asking for information on the Chenango Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner. Seating is limited, so send in your reservations early.

The Baden-Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America served over 700 youth members in Chenango County in 2012. Locally, the Boy Scout program does not receive government funding and does not receive funding from the Chenango County United Way. Councils cannot charge dues to youth members. The yearly cost to the Council for each youth in the program is $180. Scout leaders hope to raise $12,500 of the current year’s budget from this dinner to support local Scouts. Sullivan encourages the citizens of Chenango County to join him in his efforts to support the local scouts.