T-R PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER Tama Citizen of the Year Lori Baier gave a short but powerful speech to onlookers on Friday, May 19, during the Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival.

TAMA — Lori Baier spoke of being named Tama Citizen of the Year in a short speech after being bestowed the award during the Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival on Friday, May 19. Baier is the 41st Tama resident to be honored with the annual award.

“When I answered the door last week to find firefighters and EMS personnel, I didn’t know if our house was on fire or I was having a medical emergency. How ironic that these dedicated volunteers who provide fire and EMS services for our community were at my door,” Baier said.

The Tama Fire Department announced Baier as the recipient earlier in the month, and Fire Chief Richard Jimenez noted that she had received several nominations for her work on the Wieting Theater, Tama Visioning and daycare.

Baier spends much of her time volunteering in the Tama-Toledo area and has impacted the lives of many. She is an advocate for the fine arts, being involved in bringing Camp Creamery to the Wieting Theater yearly before the pandemic.

A similar camp will return for youth this summer. Baier’s impact can be seen across some of STC’s finest thespians in recent memory and of all time.

With a smile and gratitude clearly on display Baier spoke of the awards significance to her.

“I am very humble and was very surprised. I have been inspired by the actions of many prior recipients, and am very honored to be included in this category,” she said.

Baier ended her short speech with a message to fellow community members.

“I challenge everyone here to know, you can always make a positive impact in our community,” she said.