NORWICH – In early March, the Baden-Powell Council of the Boy Scouts of America has announced that Eric Larsen of Norwich as this year’s recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award for Chenango County, and now the community is invited to raise a glass to honor the Norwich almsgiver.

A reception dinner to mark Mr. Larsen’s recognition will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich.

This year’s award selection was made a committee of local citizens including past recipients, and co-chaired by Howie Sullivan and Jim Edwards. The 2014 recipient was Jim Edwards.

2015 marks the 30th year of Annual Distinguished Citizen dinner that also benefits the local Scouting program. Each year the Scouts recognize local community leaders for their outstanding contribution to the betterment of the community and service to their fellow citizens.

Larsen has been actively engaged in the Norwich community for more than 35 years. Eric serves on several community organizations including President of the Chenango Blues Festival, Chairman of the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency, and 1st Vice Chairman of the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation Board. These are only a few examples of Eric’s involvement in the community. One of Larsen's most visible accomplishments was the construction and renovation of the center-city East and West Parks, an iconic centerpiece of downtown Norwich.