RUMFORD – Lifelong resident and active community member Joseph “Tony” Poirier was chosen as the town’s Citizen of the Year at Thursday’s selectmen’s meeting.

Selectman Jolene Lovejoy said Poirier was selected from six nominations submitted for the honor. Poirier’s daughter Louise Stickney nominated her father.

The board chooses one citizen each year who has exemplified good citizenship through a variety of activities, including giving of one’s time for the benefit of the community.

Poirier, a native of the town, has served as chairman of the Rumford Hospital board and the Rumford Community Home board. He is a founding member of the Western Maine chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives, a volunteer with the Chisholm Ski Club, American Red Cross blood drive, St. Athanasius and St. John Church, and chairman of the Oxford Federal Credit Union, among other organizations. He is also a veteran of World War II with service in the European theatre.

The board will present Poirier with a plaque naming him Citizen of the Year at a later meeting. Poirier’s name will also be engraved on a plaque on display in the Municipal Building with the names of past recipients.

Also on Thursday, selectmen approved use of a piece of town property along Route 2 near McDonald’s by the Polar Bear Snowmobile Club. The group wants to build a clubhouse.

Lovejoy said townspeople must also approve the land use at the annual town meeting in June.

In other matters, the board approved a taxi cab license for Tammi Tuttle, owner of Bethel Express, and granted a parade permit for the annual March of Dimes walk set for April 27.

Hawkers’ and peddlers’ licenses were granted to Anna Jack for Jack’s Greenhouse, Daniel Richard for Ash and Ash’s Hotties Hot Dog Wagon, and David and Annette Marin for No View Greenhouse.

The board then entered into a closed-door session to discuss fire department union negotiations.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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