DIXON – Robin Canode has taken pride in the beautification of Dixon.
A longtime leader for the Dixon in Bloom committee, a group of volunteers that spearheads the signature petunia baskets installed throughout the center of town, Canode was named the 2019 Citizen of the Year.
Canode and others were recognized Friday during the Best of Dixon awards ceremony hosted by the Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street and sponsored by The Telegraph.
She said the petunias have been more of an obsession for her than a passion, watching out for the 8,300 petunias gathered in 285 baskets.
Standing in front of a packed Post House Ballroom, Canode said she’s not used to being in the spotlight.
“I’m more of a behind the scenes person,” she said.
Canode has a long list of contributions and service with many different organizations including the Dixon schools foundation, the Dixon Booster Club, Rock River Garden Club, Phidian Art Club, and KSB Women in Philanthropy.
She has also served on boards for the United Way of Lee County, the Dixon Family YMCA, the Petunia Festival, former Dixon Main Street, Dixon One advisory task force, and she recently finished her second term as chairwoman for Chamber Main Street. She was part of the process that merged the chamber and main street, and said it was an amazing journey to see them come together.
“I’m really proud of how the organization came together,” she said.
Canode “continues to address economic and community development by creating many programs and new events which foster a positive incubator for the city of Dixon,” according to one of her nominations.
“There is so much momentum in Dixon right now,” Chamber Main Street Executive Director Jeremy Englund said. “None of this would be possible without the heart, soul, and pride of our community, our people. It is an honor to recognize those who have gone above and beyond.”
Englund said Canode is one of the most selfless people he knows.
She’s also a supporter of the Les Turner Foundation ALS Walk for Life and Lee County Honor Flight.
Larry Dunphy, 81, the beloved downtown Renaissance man and owner of Books on First who died in November, was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
A video of community members honoring him played prior to his wife, Carolyn Chin, accepting the award. They spoke of how he brought a spark to the resurgence of downtown, how he was a kind gentleman, and how if he wasn’t smiling, he would still be encouraging.
The Volunteer of the Year award went to Scott Brown for his help at several Chamber Main Street events as well as coordinating the fourth grade architectural and historic tours.
The 4 Under 40 winners were Aaqil Khan, Aaron Robertson, Rachael Gehlbach, and Rashaad Lane.
Pest Control Consultants was named Business of the Year and Sarah Partington the Ambassador of the Year.
Past Citizens of the Year
1982: Paul Berrettini
1983: Jerrald James
1984: Robert Shomaker
1985: Robert Mansen
1986: Gary Gehlbach
1987: Joan Sheridan
1988: Helen & Elwood Cruse
1989: Bob Gringas
1990: Isaac Mercer
1991: Tom Durband
1992: Bill Reigle
1993: Linda Brantley
1994: Jane Marshall
1995: Jeff Lovett
1996: Darryl Vandervort
1997: Stan Weber
1998: Jim Nelson
1999: Nancy Varga
2000: JoAnn Guthrie
2001: Doug Lee
2002: Larry Reed
2003: Al Knickrehm
2004: Sylvia Montavon
2005: Walt Lohse
2006: Nate & Ida Johnson
2007: Dave Schreiner
2008: Winston Murray
2009: James Dixon
2010: Rick Munson
2011: Rick Curia
2012: Jim Sarver
2013: Danny Langloss
2016: John Groshans
2017: Tim Broos
2018: Mark Dallas
2019: Robin Canode