I was delighted to learn that Laura Chodos is the recipient of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club's Senior Citizen of the Year award. (See complete story at saratogian.com.)

Chodos (second from right in photo) would be an excellent pick for Citizen of the Year, regardless of her age.

I remember someone telling my then-55-year-old mother-in-law that he wished he has a quarter of her energy. "You do!" she retorted. Likewise, Laura Chodos at 83 years old still demonstrates the energy and passion for public service that leave most of us in the dust. She's equally adept at coming up with ideas and, as Superintendent Janice White noted at Wednesday's ceremony, rolling up her sleeves and leading by example.

When she's trying to get something going, she's the nicest noodge. And she's selfless and unassuming to boot.

"She has the ability to get people together and have them focus on issues ins a real work-group," noted John Nelson, who nominated Chodos for the award.

Congratulations, Laura, on a well-deserved honor.