Lifelong resident Tom Cassio was recently named a ‘Citizen of the Year’ by the South Plainfield Elks Lodge #2298. Cassio, who was nominated by Council President Derryck White, was one of 11 individuals honored at the fraternal organization’s 2017 Central District ‘Citizen of the Year’ dinner, which was hosted by the East Brunswick Elks and held on March 19.

“I was asked to recommend someone for this year’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ award and Tom's name immediately just came to mind,” said White, a member of the South Plainfield Elks himself. According to www.njelks.org, each Elks lodge is encouraged to select a citizen who has contributed to improving the local community. While the individual does not need to be a member of the organization, they should be someone who has shown leadership in the community, has contributed voluntary service, and is recognized as being an all-around good citizen.