With the arrival of July, the Greenbelt Labor Day Festival is just two months away. Since 1973, the Festival includes a unique Greenbelt tradition: announcing the annual Outstanding Citizen. Greenbelt annually celebrates one of its most generous volunteers at the Labor Day Festival, on a permanent plaque in the Community Center and as Labor Day Parade Grand Marshal.
The Outstanding Citizen Committee needs your help to identify someone deserving this honor. Nominees must be volunteers: elected officials and paid employees are not eligible. If you know someone who stands out among our many community organizations, who demonstrates cooperation, enthusiasm, leadership and concern for others, send your nomination now. A nomination form is provided in this paper’s July 2 issue on page 6, but you’re also welcome to submit a letter or email as long as it includes your name, your nominee’s name and why you’re nominating them. Nominations may be submitted until Saturday, August 1 to Tom Jones, Outstanding Citizen Committee, 1 Woodland Way Unit C, Greenbelt MD 20770, or emailed to OutstandingCitizenGB@gmail.com.
The Outstanding Citizen for 2025 is Robert Goldberg-Strassler, who founded Random Unselfish Acts of Kindness and volunteers for several other organizations. Prior Outstanding Citizens have been involved in a wide variety of volunteer work, including supporting sports, youth groups, senior citizen programs and the News Review. Along with countless volunteers, Outstanding Citizens make Greenbelt a better place.
The 2026 Outstanding Citizen will be announced on the evening of Friday, September 4 near the start of the Labor Day Festival. Local businesses have set aside prizes for the winner, and local officials are ready to proclaim the accomplishments of one of our neighbors. Help the committee identify them by nominating someone whose contribution should be recognized.
If you’ve nominated someone not chosen in a prior year, don’t be discouraged — try again. You may wish to include more information about your nominee’s volunteer experience or letters of support from more people. The committee receives many excellent nominations each year, but has to choose only one recipient. Submit your nomination now to ensure that person is considered for this important community tradition!