Higgins named Al Mills Citizen of the Year
The Al Mills Citizen of the Year award was presented to Dianne Higgins, F.I.S.H. president, during the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Jan. 28.
“Receiving the 2013 Al Mills Citizen of the Island Award is such an honor for me.” Higgins said. “That honor is increased by the fact that I know, admire and have volunteered with his wife, Fran, through the library and the Friends of the Library.”
The Al Mills Award is presented to one individual or organization each year to recognize the dedication and commitment to island residents and the business community.
“Dianne’s performance as president of Pine Island F.I.S.H. has been nothing but outstanding and the entire island has benefitted,” Welcome Center Director Jennifer Jennings said.
Higgins said for those who know her, they know that she does not do things for the sake of awards, but rather for the rewards of getting to know and work with so many other dedicated area volunteers who also want to give back to the community.
“I cannot thank you all enough, especially for all the support that you have given me in the last eight difficult months,” she said. “It is certainly all of you that help to make this island so very special and you share a portion of this award with me. It would be at this point that my husband, Dave, who was my helpmate for so many years. would put ‘red pen’ to the text and say I needed to end this. And so I do with a heartfelt thank you. I couldn’t think of a better place to live. You make my volunteering efforts such a meaningful experience.”
Higgins is also active in several other organizations, such as in Friends of the Pine Island Library, Museum of the Islands, Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, Hookers and many more.