The Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce recognized a group of volunteers at its awards dinner here.
The May 14 event saw Citizen of the Year honours go to Kate Rowley, Young Citizen of the Year to student Vanessa Wildeman, the Arny Feairs Customer Service Award to Dennis and Audrey MacDonald of MacDonald Home Appliance, and Corporate Citizen of the Year to Brian Plume of Plumes Main Street Interiors.
Receiving special recognition was the Mount Forest Heritage Society, Mount Forest Museum and Archives along with president Rowley and its 40 volunteers. Honourees were recognized with provincial certificates from Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece handed out by Mayor Ray Tout.
Chamber member and event organizer Debbie Hunter made the presentations to the recipients.
Hunter thanked those attending the dinner and presentation for acknowledging the contributions of the recipients to their community.
“We also appreciate the people who not only recognize the influence our nominees have on making Mount Forest a vibrant place to live and work, but took the time to nominate worthy recipients,” she said.
Kate Rowley was honoured to be named Citizen of the Year. The award acknowledged her 13 years of volunteer work, in particular with the museum and archives, after moving to the community with her husband Dr. Chris Rowley and their three children.
“Kate Rowley, a former secondary school history teacher, has given her passion and knowledge too our community through her extensive volunteer hours at the Mount Forest Heritage Society and the Mount Forest Archives and Museum. Kate, president for the past two years, has been described by her peers as a tireless leader with a passion for inspiring individuals who together have contributed to the notable changes and upgrades at the museum.
“In the 10 years, (since the archives moved to the former Post Office building), Kate has volunteered, she has played an instrumental role in successfully acquiring grant money to upgrade the exterior of the building making it wheelchair accessible and purchased new digitizing equipment.”
Described as “an amazing lady,” by the 40 volunteers she works with, she can be found most days at the archives, Hunter added. “I’m a little overwhelmed,” a tearful Rowley said after receiving the award. She was inspired by Jean Weber, who spearheaded efforts to create the museum and archives and in 2003 was named Citizen of the Year the year before she died.
“Jean Weber is loving this. The Mount Forest Museum and Archives has become a second home for me.
“When you adopt a new home you never know if it will adopt you. We have arrived,” Rowley said of the recognition and what it means to her and her family.
As the Young Citizen of the Year recipient, Vanessa Wildeman was also recognized for her volunteerism.
“Volunteering is a great way for youth to make a positive and appropriate connection to their community,” Hunter said of the Wellington Heights Seondary School Grade 11 student. Described as a “mentor to fellow students and others within her community,” by her nominee, she is the daughter of Rick and Maria Wildeman.
“In addition to being a diligent student in the classroom where she set a positive example for her peers, Vanessa is actively involved in the energy and life of the school,” Hunter said. “Vanessa has played major roles in school musicals, serves on numerous school committees, has represented (the school) on the basketball, badminton and soccer teams, as well as participating in academic contests in math chemistry and physics.” Wildeman is also active in the community, playing several Sports and was a program assistant for the skate program and is a member of the local dance academy.
Wildeman thanked her parents for their support. “It’s nice to know my work is appreciated,” she said.
Councillor Dan Yake, who has been the township’s liaison with the heritage society since its inception, assisted in presenting its volunteers with their recognition.
Yake also noted Weber’s contribution. “About 12 years ago I got a call from Jean Weber and she said she had an idea and she wanted to talk about it,” Yake said of the perseverance Weber was known for. That philosophy of having a strong volunteer group remains to this day, Yake acknowledged.
Dennis and Audrey MacDonald and their business received the Arny Feairs Customer Service Award recognizing their commitment to customer service at the store they have operated for over 50 years. The award is named after businessman Arny Feairs who operated a main street business and was known for his customer service.
“Every company’s greatest assets are its customers, because without customers there is no company,” Hunter said.
“From the time you walk in the door, it’s a pleasure to deal with Audrey and Dennis, always a cheerful smile, and a friendly greeting,” states the nominator, Hunter said.
“From their product knowledge, to their prompt delivery, set up, clean up and a tutorial on how to use your new appliance, they have answers to every question. It does not matter, how big or small, the item is, they always try to solve the problem,” Hunter added.
Dennis MacDonald thanked the staff for the work they do and the part they play in customer service the store was recognized for.
Hunter presented the Corporate Citizen of the Year Award to Brian Plume.
“This business contributes to the community in both time donated and financial support given which is significant to the betterment of the quality of life enjoyed by all citizens in our community,” Hunter said. “This business is seen as an integral part of the community, providing a leading role through their involvement in multiple community concerns. Plume’s Main Street Interiors, formerly Plume’s Color Your World, has been serving out community over 20 years.”
Hunter said the fact Plume built a new building for his business on main street only several years ago, “shows tremendous corporate confidence in the community.”
“Downtown revitalization is an ongoing challenge for all small rural communities and this business and facility is a tremendous asset to our downtown.”
