James Christie, center, receives the July MoorHeart Award from Mayor Shelly Carlson. His wife Pat is at right.

James Christie, a supporter of the arts with a passion for the environment, was presented with the July MoorHeart Award by Mayor Shelly Carlson at Monday’s Moorhead City Council meeting.
Christie, a native of London, has made Moorhead his home for more than 40 years. Employed by Ace Hardware, he formerly worked for top-tier restaurants across Europe, including the establishment at the National Theatre of London. He has volunteered his time to help his neighbors and his community in many ways, writes Jo Cavins, who nominated him.
“James has shown passion for art and the environment,” she says. “Many may not know that James has almost single-handedly cared for the Sticks Garden and Conduit Sculpture on Main Avenue (near M&H) since Summer 2022, weeding, clearing garbage and adding pollinator-friendly plants.”
His photography has been featured in several displays, including “Through My Father-in-Law’s Eyes” and “Backyard Buzz,” currently on display at Third Drop Coffee.
Cavins continued, “When James removes snow from the sidewalk outside his home, he often does one or more neighbos’ sidewalks as well, sometimes clearing the whole block. James is always willing to help others, and because Moorhead’s snowfall greatly exceeds that of his home region, he actually enjoys helping free others from the dreaded ‘lump’ after a plow has gone by, even when he’s simultaneously cursing the cold.” He also, she added, “always gives right-of-way to Moorhead’s turkeys.”
The city council presents the MoorHeart award each month to a Moorhead citizen or group “who are doing great things for the community,” according to the website at www.cityofmoorhead.com. Nominations for future awards are always welcome.