ERIN – Around 100 people were treated to dinner and live music performed by the Erin District High School TEMPO band at Centre 2000 for the annual Shamrock Awards last week.
Ten awards were given on April 24 to individuals, organizations and businesses that made a significant contribution to Erin over the previous year.
One of the recipients, Jen Edwards, was given a community volunteer award for her work with Seed to Plate, and was named Erin’s Citizen of the Year — for the second time since she was first bestowed the title in 2018.
And much like the first time, the nomination came from a client of hers at Jen’s Home Daycare — a small daycare operation Edwards has invested heart and soul into for nearly two decades.
“I work really hard at it,” she said. “It’s nice to have that recognition.”
Her list of volunteer efforts is lengthy and carries a common theme.
“A lot of it is environmental-focused,” she said. “That’s what needs my voice.”
Shamrock Awards recipients, from left: Abel Page, Jen Edwards, Martin Rudd, Philipa Bodolai, Chris Bailey, Louisa Ridge, and Margaret Hood. Absent is Margaret Barnstaple. Photo by Tristan Clark
Edwards is behind Erin’s annual Seedy Saturday (held in March), is a school board trustee, assembles the Erin Ontario News community newsletter, organizes garbage cleanup events, is a member of the town’s Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee, volunteers on the board of Wastewise in Georgetown, maintains Erin Public School gardens in the summertime, and runs the Erin Seed Library.
“I do a lot in the community,” Edwards remarked.
“You gotta do what you can, and help where help is needed.”
Edwards said people appreciate volunteers; a type of person motivated by something deeper than money.
She plugged an upcoming tree planting by the Credit Valley Conservation along the Elora Cataract Trailway behind Centre 2000 on May 4 from 9:30am to noon.
With trees being removed to make way for development, Edwards said volunteering to plant native trees and shrubs along the trail will help “keep the nature in Erin.”
“Every time I go to an event, I meet wonderful people,” she said.
“Please come and do the same … join the garden club, join the Optimists, join the committee, and get involved and you’ll meet wonderful people too, it’s just great to be a part.”
Other volunteer award recipients include:
- Abel Page, for his work with Seed to Plate;
- Dan Blais, for his tireless work keeping Orangeville Street clean;
- Margaret Barnstaple, for her 17 years serving as a member of Erin’s Heritage Committee;
- Louisa Ridge, for her volunteer work with East Wellington Community Services; and
- Philippa Bodalai, for her volunteer work with the Erin Agricultural Society.
Additional award recipients include:
- Chris Bailey of Brighten Up Toys and Games for Business of the Year;
- Martin Rudd, for the town’s Environment Award; and
- Margaret Hood, a 242 Ross Ferguson Air Cadets member who received the town’s Youth Award.
Shamrock Awards recipients with Erin council members. Photo by Tristan Clark
