Norm and Carol Abrahamson are the 2011 Citizens of the Year, the first time in the long history of the community recognition that a couple has been honored.
Chosen as the 2011 Outstanding Citizens were Brad Brotherton, Brian Larson and Lynn Peretti.
The five will be honored at the Citizen of the Year banquet Nov. 3 at the Renton Senior Activity Center. Reservations can be made online or by calling 425-226-4560.
The outstanding citizens are selected each year by the City of Renton, the Renton Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Renton to recognize their dedication and far-reaching contributions to the Renton community.
“It is a privilege to honor our Citizens of the Year and Outstanding Citizens,” said Terry Higashiyama, immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Renton. “They have been responsible for positive change in our city and have set an example for others to follow with their initiative, creativity and energy.”
The following biographies were provided by the selection group.
Norm and Carol Abrahamson
2011 Citizens of the Year Norm and Carol Abrahamson have been actively involved with education, arts, history, faith, community, social service agencies, humanitarian relief, community events, mentoring/tutoring. They are the classic example of the sum being greater than the parts, and are often toiling away behind the scenes. They have long been part of the Renton River Days family of volunteers, have been instrumental in keeping the Renton Community Choir going for years, have worked for over 25 years for Habitat for
Humanity, and have tirelessly helped with the Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank. Norm Abrahamson has been a volunteer and member of the Renton Historical Society Museum in numerous ways and contributed his carpentry and engineering skills to the museum. Carol Abrahamson has volunteered countless hours in schools.
Brad Brotherton
2011 Outstanding Citizen Brad Brotherton has provided both financial support and countless volunteer hours to support community businesses and various causes in Renton. He has been responsible for bringing several opportunities to Renton, and his efforts have had a profound positive impact to the Renton community. Brotherton has emerged as an incredible voice of Renton, tirelessly contributing to the betterment of this community and reinforcing Renton’s
image as “ahead of the curve.” His key contributions and sponsorships include the Renton River Days parade, the Return to Renton car show, the Seattle International Film Festival, Miss Washington organization, and Renton Heart Month. He is involved in various efforts to protect and promote the health and well-being of our community and has provided transportation to Valley Medical, hosted the women’s health event “Glow,” donated to Catch a Cure for Cancer, and sponsored numerous other charitable events.
Brian Larson
2011 Outstanding Citizen Brian Larson is on the board of Piazza Renton and plays a critical role to ensure the success of the downtown Renton Farmers Market. He is a born leader and has served on the board of numerous organizations and been involved in various local events. The Return to Renton Car Show, Piazza Dinner Auction, Renton Police Department Youth Education
fund, and wheelchair sports are just a few of the groups and events where Larson works tirelessly to provide exceptional service to the greater Renton community.
Lynn Peretti
2011 Outstanding Citizen Lynn Peretti serves as the president of the Renton Lions Club and demonstrates tremendous energy and enthusiasm for the community. She has been very successful in getting contributions for the Renton Clothes Bank and Food Bank. She is always there to help the Humane Society and find a solution when pets are left abandoned. She chairs the Renton River Days pancake breakfast and has been very successful in organizing various events for the Lions club including the Italian Night Dinner and Raffle. Peretti’s dedication to the community and demonstrated leadership skills have made a significant impact to Renton citizens.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to personally thank the 2011 Citizens of the Year Norm and Carol Abrahamson and Outstanding Citizens Brad Brotherton, Brian Larson, and Lynn Peretti for donating their time and talent to help our community and make a tremendous difference in our city,” said Renton Mayor Denis Law.
Bill Taylor, president of the Renton Chamber of Commerce, said “Renton is a better place to live because of the exemplary service and outstanding contributions of Norm, Carol, Brad, Brian and Lynn,”
