MOUNT FOREST – The Mount Forest and District Sports Complex was buzzing with excitement on Sept. 12, as the annual Volunteer Celebration and Newcomer Welcome event welcomed both new and preexisting members of the Wellington North community.
“We are gathered here for an important reason,” said Wellington North councillor Lisa Hern. “To express our gratitude to the incredible volunteers of Wellington North.”
This year’s event featured over 22 community organizations – such as Guelph Wellington Crime Stoppers, the Mount Forest Lions Club, and North Wellington Big Brothers Big Sisters – allowing newcomers the opportunity to get involved with local organizations and secure volunteer opportunities.
Also in attendance was a crowd off 225 pre-registered guests, including Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and MP John Nater, as well as Wellington North council members.
“It’s great to be here and see so many local volunteers. It’s truly reflective of such a wonderful community,” said Nater.
He added, “This is the biggest crowd I’ve seen here for this event. It’s really nice to see.”
While all guests were treated to a catered lunch, three special guests walked away with more than a plate full of food.
Elizabeth Laros, Jennifer Baia and 11-year-old Natalia Skorupska were named the winners of the 25th anniversary art contest for Wellington North.
The contest was launched by the Wellington North Cultural Round Table last year and received over 30 submissions.
The winners each earned a prize of $1,000 as well the opportunity to showcase their art at township-owned facilities such as Mount Forest and Arthur arenas, and the municipal office in Kenilworth.
“I was taking art classes last year,” Skorupska told the Advertiser.
“I started talking to my art teacher about [the contest] and she gave me the idea.”
Skorupska used inspiration from a 1913 Mount Forest post card and painted an acrylic and ink rendition of the south end of Mount Forest as it was in 1913, featuring the old iron bridge and Murphy’s Mill.
As for the prize money, the young artist says she will be using the money to purchase a new iPad.
