Roger White, left, is presented with an engraved plaque with a clock Thursday in recognition of being named Rumford’s 2020 Citizen of the Year. Making the presentation, which included a certificate, is Chris Brennick, chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times

RUMFORD — Roger White, owner of White’s Yardworks in Rumford, is Rumford’s 2020 Citizen of the Year.

Chris Brennick, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said White was nominated by the Rumford Community Home.

Last August, White donated time, materials and labor to create the love patio at the entrance to the home, which, because of the pandemic, was the only place residents and their families could see each other through the windows. Chris DeSalle, one of White’s employees, helped White cut in the red heart in the patio.

Brennick said White has also supported community fundraisers and is also known for organizing the two Rumford parades to celebrate the New England Patriots Super Bowl victories.

“He doesn’t just do one thing well,” Brennick said. “He does a lot of things well and does it with class and dignity.”

During Thursday’s board meeting Brennick presented White with a certificate and an engraved plaque featuring a clock.

“The most rewarding feeling in the world is to do something for someone,” White said Saturday.

“One of the reasons I like to give back and do stuff like this is because people s*** on our town all the time and I hate it,” he said. “This is a great town. I guarantee you, if you come up with cancer tomorrow morning, people are going to step up to the plate and help you.”

White added, “It’s the greatest feeling in the world doing nice things for people. I get more out of it than they do. I especially need to thank everyone who has helped me with some of my ideas because almost everything I do I lean on my friends for their help. Without them, most of these things would never happen.”

Among those friends are employees Chris DeSalle and Dale Korhonen, who White calls “My A Team … We’re very, very blessed to live in an area like this.”

Roger White of White’s Yardworks in Rumford donated time, materials and labor to create the love patio at the entrance to Rumford Community Home. White was named Rumford’s 2020 Citizen of the Year for his community service.  Submitted photo