Rockville Remembers

Rockville Remembers is a new program designed to let Rockville citizens honor their fellow citizens who have made a positive difference on our community.  The program was developed from a suggestion made by Rockville resident, Seldon Higgins, and is administered by the City of Rockville Historic Preservation staff.  It was announced in an article in the October 2007 issue of Rockville Reports, which included the selection criteria and nomination form.  Nominees were evaluated according to several criteria.  The contribution of the nominated individual, business or organization must have occurred since 1950 and the nominees must have been residents or established in Rockville for at least 25 years.  In addition, the contribution must demonstrate concern for the community’s well-being and overall quality of life in the City and must be beyond the scope of typical citizen involvement or professional/business responsibilities. A panel of three community leaders was convened to evaluate the nominations and make selections.  This panel included Mark Poletunow, Executive Director, Community Ministries of Rockville; Terry Lachin, Program Coordinator, Peerless Rockville; and Debby Liverpool, President, Rockville Chamber of Commerce.  The panel unanimously selected William E. Wood, Dickran Y. Hovsepian and Viola D. Hovsepian to honor this year. Mr. Wood was nominated by his daughter, Reverend Jane E. Wood, pastor of Jerusalem-Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.  The Hovsepians were both nominated by James T. Marrinan, Rockville resident and former City Councilmember. The accomplishments and contributions of these honored individuals to Rockville are highlighted here and will be displayed at the Rockville Library for the month of April 2008. Dickran and Viola Hovsepian, husband and wife, each held the office of Mayor in Rockville. They were Rockville residents from 1950 - 1996. William E. Wood, Civil Rights Leader and Founder of Rockville’s Memorial Day Parade. He was a Rockville resident from 1897-1980.