Dixon pride in full bloom

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