Janet Paterson Named Citizen of the Quarter

Janet Patterson surrounded by members of the town board

By Dave Vieser — Cornelius resident Janet Paterson, a longtime member of the North Mecklenburg Rotary Club, received the Citizen of the Quarter award from Cornelius Mayor Denis Bilodeau at the Oct. 19 Town Board meeting. A large contingent of Rotary members and friends attended the ceremony at Cornelius Town Hall.

Bilodeau highlighted Paterson’s work as a Rotarian, including her efforts with Operation Christmas Child, Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, as well as nature conservation.

The principal motto of Rotary International is “Service Above Self,” and Bilodeau said, “When I think about that, I think about Janet.”

“It’s hard to believe one person can do as much as she does for this community,” he said.

Bilodeau established the award upon taking office earlier this year. Previous recipients were Jack Conard and Lin Snowa.