DIXON, CA (MPG) - For nearly 25 years, children, young students and adults have written about why their mother is the ‘Mother of the Year.' It is with great honor that the Kiwanis Club of Dixon, with Debra Dingman as President, should join in sponsoring the program that the Independent Voice Newspaper has continued until now—as it was Dingman who started the contest in her first year as Publisher of The Dixon Newspaper in 1993.

In the original publication, she said why they wanted to start the program: “Dixon mothers often get short-changed on Mother’s Day because many are busy with their children’s May Fair activities,” she wrote. "I am honored that this idea continued throughout the years and will continue with my favorite club," she said.

They had about 100 entries and the very first Mother of the Year was Jeanine Cooper submitted by one of her four sons. Runner-ups were Maura Davis and Cindy Pretti, both submitted by their children. There were hundreds of dollars in prizes donated by local merchants and the women rode in decorated vehicles in the Dixon May Fair parade. Many, many deserving women have shared the honor.

Well a lot certainly changed this past year but there is no reason the coCommntest can't go on this year just minus the ride in the parade. The criteria for entering are simple: the woman being nominated must exemplify mothering qualities and must reside in Dixon. 

Attach one of our entry forms to an essay no more than one-page about your mother and why she is the best. All entries must have a name, grade level or age and a phone number of the person submitting the entry. 

There will be three finalists chosen in three categories: Under 6th grade; 7th through 9th grades; and 10th grade through adults. A panel of Kiwanis Club members will judge all entries. The winner and two finalists will receive floral bouquets and other gifts. 

Written entries should be in an envelope with the words ‘Mother of the Year Contest’ written on the outside. They can be dropped off at the Independent Voice Newspaper office at 100 N. Adams, or mailed to Dixon Kiwanis, P.O. Box 1602, Dixon or emailed to DixonKiwanis @hotmail.com. Entry DEADLINE is 5 pm on May 1, 2021. 

For further information about the Kiwanis Club of Dixon, call Patti Sousa-Liu at (707) 635-3303.  Kiwanis Club of Dixon 

‘Kids Need Kiwanis’ is the popular slogan used by Kiwanis Clubs in more than 80 nations across the globe. The international volunteer organization raises approximately $133 million and dedicates more than 19 million hours to strengthen communities and help children. Dixon chartered its club in 2009, meets on the 4th Monday of each month at Bud’s Pub & Grill for a no-host dinner and is responsible for numerous service projects in town. Its premier fundraiser has been the annual Festival of Trees.