The Noonday Club of Ellenville has officially announced that John Gavaris, a lifelong public servant and current Wawarsing town councilman, will be honored as the 2026 Citizen of the Year. The award recognizes Gavaris for a lifetime of dedicated service to the Ellenville and Wawarsing community.

Gavaris’ service began at the age of 17 when he started volunteering with Community Action in Ellenville, traveling to New York City to collect food for local families in need. His political career has been marked by record-breaking milestones: at age 22, he became the youngest person ever elected as a Trustee for the Village of Ellenville. Two years later, he achieved the same distinction on the Wawarsing Town Council, where he served for eight years.

Beyond local government, Gavaris represented the area as an Ulster County Legislator for six years before returning to his current role as a Town Councilman. His community involvement remains extensive, including active roles with the Ellenville/Wawarsing Youth Commission, the Ellenville First Aid & Rescue Squad, the 4th of July Committee, and the Hunt Memorial Preservation Committee.

In addition to his public service, Gavaris has been a fixture at Ellenville Regional Hospital for the past 26 years. He currently serves as the hospital's Director of Support Services and Corporate Compliance Officer.

The Noonday Club will host a dinner to celebrate Gavaris's achievements on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Honors Haven in Ellenville. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for are $65 per person. Local businesses and individuals also have the opportunity to sponsor the dinner for $200, which includes recognition in event advertising and materials. Those interested in attending or sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Mary Sheeley at (845) 647-8100.