The Citizen of the Year Award went to Martha Watts for the work that she does for many groups and organizations throughout the community.

“What she’s done behind the scene is what this recognizes,” Murphy said. “I think this recognition is important to think about, not just for the big names in town but also those people out every day who are actively trying to make the community better behind the scenes.”

Watts is a part of the Paul Smith’s College alumni group and the Women’s Civic Chamber. She is on the board of Adirondack Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center for Housing board, is one of the longest-running members on the Winter Carnival Committee and helps for several community service events such as Village Cleanup Day.

“That’s the type of community spirit that the award is meant to recognize,” Murphy said.

Chad Czelusniak-Servisee, center, receives the Volunteer of the Year award from Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce board President Keith Braun, left, and Executive Director Patrick Murphy. (Enterprise photo — Susan Moore)

The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Chad Czelusniak-Serviss for his contribution to the chamber, according to chamber Executive Director Patrick Murphy. Czelusniak-Serviss is a faculty member at North Country Community College in the business department and is working on his doctorate. He is also a ballroom dance teacher, according to Murphy. Despite his busy schedule, Murphy said Czelusniak-Serviss still is always helping out around the chamber.

“He still takes time out to sit here at the welcome center,” Murphy said.

Murphy said that last weekend, Czelusniak-Serviss spent 10 combined hours on Saturday and Sunday sitting in the welcome center in the Harrietstown Town Hall helping locals and visitors with any questions they may have. Murphy described him as the chamber’s “go-to volunteer.”

Saranac Lake High School senior Samuel Branch, center, receives a scholarship award from Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce board President Keith Braun, left, and Executive Director Patrick Murphy. The scholarship is a new initiative to a graduating senior who will attend one of the area’s two colleges: Paul Smith’s or North Country Community College. Branch plans to attend Paul Smith’s in the fall. (Enterprise photo — Susan Moore)