MINTO – Willa Wick has been named Senior of the Year for the Town of Minto.
Mayor Dave Turton announced the award at the June 6 town council meeting.
Wick was the town’s nominee for a 2023 Ontario Senior of the Year Award.
The provincial program provides each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding local citizen who, after the age of 65, “has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of his or her community.”
“Willa Wick embodies the very essence of a senior citizen who is active and involved in her community, giving back and sharing her knowledge and gained experience with adults and youth alike,” said Turton.
“She is the glue that holds several community committees together by being the chief communicator and author of wonderful and interesting newsletters.”
A member of numerous community organizations, including the Harriston and District Horticultural Society, Harriston Historical Society and Carry On Women’s Institute, Wick often takes on the task of chronicling and promoting local events with videos, photos and submissions to local publications.
“She is the recorder, both in word and pictures, of the events we hold and the celebrations that we participate in,” said Turton.
“If there’s an event happening in town, it is likely that Will will be there. Selling sandwiches and pies at Barry Gray’s auctions to support one group or another, taking the minutes for the horticultural group for many, many years … helping to plant beds or planters to beautify the town, helping with the youth horticulture programs and at our libraries.”
The mayor continued, “She is superb at organizing mystery tours for interested gardeners and can be found at many of the cultural events in town.
“She’s a very valued member of our senior community and it is with great pride and appreciation for all of her enthusiasm and dedication that we, the council of the Town of Minto, present her with the Senior of the Year award on behalf of the province of Ontario and the Town of Minto.”
Minto deputy major Jean Anderson passed on congratulations to Wick from Senator Rob Black on her enthusiasm for volunteering.
Anderson, who is also president of the Harriston and District Horticultural Society, commented, “I wouldn’t be able to be the president … without Willa going ‘We have a meeting coming up, and we have this coming up…’
“She’s at everything and she documents everything that goes on picture-wise.”
Wick said the recognition came as “a complete surprise.
“I just do my thing. Wherever I can help, I try to,” she stated.
“And if I can’t, I try and stay out of the way.”
