Lou and Sue Heavenrich named Candor Citizens of the Year 2019

Candor Community Services has named Lou and Sue Heavenrich as its citizens of the year for 2019. Each credits the other for support in their many community endeavors.  A public reception will be held in their honor at the Candor Fire Hall on Sunday, May 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. 

Lou has faithfully volunteered for the Candor Emergency Squad for 30 years, and has served two stints on its board. One of his prouder contributions was being involved as the organization moved out of debt. He has also been a supporter of the Candor St. Baldrick’s event for the nine years of its existence, and has earned the title Knight Commander for his ten years total of service with St Baldrick’s. In the past he was a volunteer with the Candor Soccer Club and Tioga County Youth Soccer Association.

Sue has had a high profile in Candor for many years. She has volunteered many ways at the Candor Free Library. A library trustee for 17 years, including a long stint as secretary, she has also been a volunteer instructor, program designer, and grant writer. She is a blogger and content manager for the library’s website. She has also been involved in the Friends of the Candor Free Library. And this past fall she was elected to serve as a Tioga County trustee on the Finger Lakes Library System board.

The Tai Chi for seniors program in Candor owes its existence to Sue. She organized it and has been the instructor for 11 years. The main purpose of her program is to help participants continue to have mobility, flexibility, and balance. Three of her former students are now teaching Tai Chi elsewhere. On a lighter note, Sue has also sung for a number of years as an alto in the Candor Community Chorus.

But probably what has gained her the most notice (or notoriety) is her role as town activist. For years she has advocated and acted for open government, first amendment exercise, and environmental stewardship in her occupation as a newspaper writer for several local papers, as well as in her role as an engaged citizen. Sue strongly identifies with her role as an investigative journalist, and says her passion has been “to help people get information.” 

She has been published in a number of national magazines, as well as writing several books. In her latest book, Diet for a Changing Climate: Food for Thought, she collaborated with Christy Mihaly to investigate insects and invasive weeds as possible food sources. The Nature Generation included this book on its long list for the national Green Earth Book Award 2019. 

In a press release received by the Candor Community Services Corporation, they stated, “Sue’s concern for civics, health, and the arts inspires us to step up ourselves and make our community a better place. And she inspires us to make noise about things that matter. Lou’s commitment to providing emergency medical assistance has made many lives better over the years. We are blessed to have them in Candor.”

Candor Community Services Corporation is a registered 501(c)(3) founded in 1976 with a broad mandate to improve the Candor community. CCSC annually recognizes a citizen of the year, awards college scholarships to community volunteers, and collaborates with other individuals and organizations to make Candor a better place. New board members, donations, and ideas are always welcome. Contact president Mel Foster at candorite@gmail.com for more information.