Paris Gibson Award nominations open

Nominations are now open for the Paris Gibson Award, named for the founder of Great Falls.

Nominees must be long-standing residents of Great Falls; have excelled in their area of expertise; have contributed to the betterment of Great Falls; and have been innovative and creative in their service to the community.

The award was established by the Paris Gibson Month Celebration Committee to honor a resident who embodies the vision and excellence of City Founder Paris Gibson. Nomination forms are available at the Great Falls Park and Recreation Department, 1700 River Drive N., at the Great Falls Public Library, 301 2nd Ave. N., or online at www.greatfallsmt.net. Deadline is June 5.

Nominations may be submitted to Park and Rec or emailed to prearden@greatfallsmt.net.

The winner will be announced before the Great Falls Municipal Band Concert at 7:30 p.m. July 1 at the Mansfield Convention Center.

Prizes include: $500, provided by Jim and Debbie Filipowicz of Steel Etc., which may be given to a local charity of the winner's choice; a tree, donated by Steve Tilleraas of Tilleraas Landscape Nursery, planted in Elks Riverside Park in their honor, with a marker and a plaque, donated by Greg Hall of Access Fitness; and a ride in a 1985 Crown Victoria, owned and driven by Denny Lorang in the Fourth of July Parade.

Previous winners are: Doug Wicks, 2010; Norma Ashby, 2011; Greg Hall, 2012; Ian and Nancy Davidson, 2013; and Gene Thayer, 2014.

For more information, contact Norma Ashby by email, ashby7@q.com, or phone, 453-7078.