Submitted by Jane Collins
DAR Amelia Island Regent
Local resident Malcolm Noden was the recipient of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution’s Americanism Award at the Florida State Society Fall Forum held recently in Orlando. The Americanism Award is an honor awarded to a naturalized American citizen. An Americanism Award nominee must have demonstrated the requisite qualities of outstanding patriotism, trustworthiness, leadership and service. The service must be significant and have a lasting impact upon the community.
Noden, professor at Cornell University for 32 years, retired with his wife, Barbara, to Amelia Island and became involved in affairs in the community. He was a founding member of the Nassau County Coalition for the Homeless, a President of the Board of Directors of Sutton Place, and First Presbyterian Church Elder, Sunday School teacher, and Stephen Minister.
His most complex and far-reaching civic involvement began in 2007, when the Board of County Commissioners hired a consulting firm to do a comprehensive study of Nassau County. The ultimate purpose of this study was to produce a visionary report showing what an “ideal” Nassau County might look like 25 years from now. Because of his acknowledged expertise in the area of the economic impact of tourism, Noden was asked to serve on the Steering Committee working with the consultants. Ultimately, the report, known as VISION 2032, was accepted by the Board of Commissioners. A committee was formed to facilitate the endeavor. The Vision Into Action Committee consists of representatives from towns and industry across the county and Noden was elected Chairman, a position he continues to hold. The committee oversees the strategic plans of lasting impact in Nassau County, such as development and protection of the environment.
This is a massively ambitious undertaking for a group of citizens who are essentially volunteering their time and talent for the betterment of the lives of their fellow residents. Counting the two years spent on the Steering Committee, Noden has already put more than five years of his life into this important project. It is an extraordinary civic commitment. This level of effort far exceeded the call of duty.
In recognition of these commitments, the NSDAR Americanism Medal and Certificate for outstanding and exemplary service to his adopted country was awarded to Mr. Malcolm Anthony Noden on September 22, 2012.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political, volunteer women’s service organization, dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education. Membership in the society is open to any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution.
Those interested in membership in the society should contact the Registrar at AIDAR, PO Box 16664, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 or through the website at www.ameliaislandnsdar.org
November 5, 2012 9:02 p.m.