Library board treasurer named 2014 Batavia Citizen of the Year
Batavia Public Library District Board Treasurer J. Thomas Von Lunen has been named the 2014 Batavia Citizen of the Year.
Von Lunen was nominated by Library Director George H. Scheetz, who wrote in his nomination letter that Von Lunen is "one citizen (who) has touched the lives of untold numbers of citizens of Batavia in many different and positive ways," according to a news release.
Besides spending years on the library board, Von Lunen has been actively involved with the Rotary Club of Batavia.
He was the club's president in 1994-1995, and he currently is the organization's fundraising chair. The club has received more than $500,000 since 2001 through Von Lunen's efforts as chair of the club's yearly Corvette Raffle fundraiser, according to a news release.
"Tom deserves all the accolades he receives because of the timeless work and energy that he puts into this town," Rotary President Dave Pedersen said in a news release.
"I'd say he is one of the most highly respected Rotarians in our club; not because of all of his years of service, but because of his kindness to the members and dedication to every project and event."
Among his many other service efforts, Von Lunen, who goes by Tom, was also a founding member of the steering committee for the Art in Your Eye fine art show and festival. He also was on the board of directors for the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence for five years. During his experience with the foundation, he chaired a fundraiser that involved selling and putting commemorative benches in the downtown, according to a news release.
Von Lunen also helps out at his church, gives out meals to the needy and even is a good neighbor.
He often helps his neighbors clear their driveways in the winter or take away tree branches after a storm, according to information compiled from Scheetz's nomination letter.
"When I first was told, I was very humbled about being nominated let alone winning," Von Lunen said Tuesday. "It's very exciting to receive this award. There are many people in Batavia that do as much if not more than I do."
Von Lunen and his family moved to Batavia in the late 1970s. He said he and his wife like the sense of community that's in Batavia, and they both do volunteer work.
Von Lunen will be honored by the Batavia Chamber of Commerce at the chamber's Inspire 2015: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us! awards event on Jan. 30.