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Vetrano is named Citizen of the Year

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: June 24, 2009

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Donna Vetrano's inability to say no may have helped her earn the title of Town 'N Country Citizen of the Year.

The 69-year-old was recognized recently by the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce at the organization's June 12 awards and installation banquet.

The honor came as a surprise to Vetrano. She was told to attend the banquet to represent the Town 'N Country Garden Circle, of which she has been a member for eight years.

"It really wasn't until he Rob Gamester mentioned the food bank that it dawned on me," said Vetrano.

The chamber recognizes people yearly for their contributions to the community. The chamber selects three citizens of the year from the Town 'N Country, northwest Hillsborough County and Oldsmar areas and then an Upper Tampa Bay Cup Award winner.

Jerry Custin, president and CEO of the chamber, said the chamber relies heavily on community members and past winners to choose those deserving of recognition.

Fran Gamester, who has known Vetrano for about eight years, said Vetrano was most deserving of the recognition.

"She is very deserving," she said. "We can always count on her. She really is something else."

Vetrano, a Town 'N Country resident for 30 years, has always tried to be involved. During the banquet, it was mentioned that she is a member of the garden circle, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Volunteer Citizen Patrol and TNC 50 Going Gold. She also has a team in the Relay for Life and volunteers at Lutheran Church of Our Savior's food bank.

"Basically, you see a need like in the food bank or the citizen patrol so you say yes and jump to it," Vetrano said. "One thing leads to another, and then you learn not to say no."

Vetrano was one of four recognized during the event. Linda William received the Upper Tampa Bay Cup, Jeri Antozzi earned the Oldsmar Citizen of the Year and Howard Baskin was named the Northwest Hillsborough Citizen of the Year.

Community producer Jessica Balanza can be reached at (727) 451-2342.

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