Carlos Vargas Named SMAC's First "Outstanding Citizen of Stoughton"

Stoughton resident, businessman and volunteer-extraordinaire Carlos Vargas was the recipient of Stoughton Media Access Corporation's first Outstanding Citizen of Stoughton Award. 

Vargas, a partner at Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency, was honored at SMAC's Annual Appreciation and Awards Night, held April 10 at the Knights of Columbus in Stoughton. 

SMAC's Outstanding Citizen of Stoughton Award was created to recognize an individual who "went above and beyond in a special way and made a difference in the community." Members of the community were able to submit nominations for worthy recipients, with Vargas receiving the most nominations this year. 

In addition to his work with Vargas & Vargas Insurance, Vargas is active in his support of local businesses, specifically through his backing of the Stoughton Farmers Market and promotion of "Cash Mob Stoughton," a social media campaign to encourage people to spend money locally. He is also a member of the Stoughton Redevelopment Authority. 

Carlos Vargas was the recipient of SMAC's first Outstanding Citizen of Stoughton Award.

 In his nomination of Vargas for this award, Forrest Lindwall called his fellow Redevelopment Authority board member "one of Stoughton's finest citizens."

"He is always promoting Cash Mob for folks to patronize local businesses," Lindwall wrote. "His video with Pam Carr promoting the Farmers market last summer was just excellent. And you often see Vargas & Vargas Insurance as a sponsor for local community events. He is a faithful parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and a member of the Redevelopment Authority. And best of all - he is a sincere gentleman who always has a smile for everyone he encounters - just ask the folks at Stoughton Bakery, Corner Cafe, Chicken Kabob, Zachary's or just about any other local food emporium."

In another nomination for Vargas, Sharon Fradkin wrote, "I think Carlos Vargas has done a lot for our town with his upbeat attitude, his organization of cash mobs through the miserable winter to help our small restaurants and other businesses, his support of Stoughton Farmers Market (Platinum sponsor last year and upcoming as well)...plus he is a great family man [and] a wonderful cook." 

Upon receiving his award, Vargas said, "We all have the ability to affect our community for the better. It's really not an opportunity; it's an obligation."

Vargas was joined by his wife Kathy at SMAC's Annual Appreciation and Awards Night.