For someone deeply involved in preserving the fabric of the community, it seemed only appropriate that Libby Carlaw was recognized where she volunteers: Explorers of the Lost Arts, an outreach program of the Tutu in You sewing group.
The group’s workshop in the basement of the Elora library was filled with both youngsters and well wishers as Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton presented to Carlaw the township’s Citizen of the Year award and congratulations on behalf of the municipality.
Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce president Kira Bailey and Awards of Excellence judge Karen Welch presented Carlaw with an afghan on behalf of the chamber, which annually organizes the award presentation.
In the background from the youngsters came cheers of “Yay Libby!”
Carlawm who received several letters of support for the award from the local community, appeared to be in shock with the surprise presentation.
“I’m really rather floored,” she said, adding she “certainly could not have done this without all the people who allowed me to volunteer with them, and the people I get to work with on a regular basis.
She pointed to Stephanie Lines-Toohill, who provided the opportunity when Carlaw was looking for somewhere to volunteer.
“She gave me the chance to come play at Tutu … and now Explorers,” said Carlaw.
She also spoke of those she works alongside on the Council of Canadians, Save Our Water “and all the others I get to work with through the arts centre.
“I really appreciate this and am very honoured.”
She added, “I was so surprised and had no idea. Having all these people here is a wonderful thing for me.”
Carlaw said, “If someone had asked me one or two years ago, I’d have never guessed anything like this would ever happen to me.”
Mayor Linton added “it is people like you who help make our community great.”
Carlaw commented, “I’ve basically lived in Elora for most of my life – except when I went to school and when I was working.”
Carlaw returned in 2007 while on leave from work.
“I was very ill for a long time, many years, and there was not much I could do. But between different treatments and time … I’m not back to where I was … but I have more quality of life.”
About six years ago, Carlaw sought a place to volunteer, but found it difficult as most organizations sought individuals who could provide a long-term commitment.
Carlaw, on the other hand, needed a place where she could show up and help out, but if she wasn’t feeling well, it would not be a big deal if she did not show up at a certain time.
Lines-Toohill provided that chance and now Carlaw has volunteered for Tutu on Tuesdays for the past several years, originally at the Elora Centre for the Arts and now in the Elora library.
Carlaw stressed she is just one of a number of people involved in what was originally an after school program intended to be a place to hang out and learn new skills, help kids make friends and build the community.
“Elora is a great place to build community … as is Centre Wellington,” she said.
Bailey said she was so happy to see Carlaw win the award.
“The Citizen of the Year award is dedicated to the people who make our community great,” said Bailey. “With people like Libby putting so much time into so many causes … you can see how she enriches the fabric of Centre Wellington.”
Carlaw also encourages others to take part in the Centre Wellington community as “she helps both youth programs and everyday citizens to connect with our community to make it grow,” Bailey added.
Letters of support
Carlaw’s nomination included several letters of support outlining her involvement in the community.
Maddy Smith wrote, “I hope you will see Libby (Carlaw) as the selfless, caring community leader that she has shown herself to be time and time again.”
Smith added. “Libby comes from a long line of Elorians, and is extremely proud of her ancestry in the area. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the history of the village, and the love she has for her community, past and present, is contagious. Libby embodies the sense/feel/vibe of Elora.”
Smith also wrote of Carlaw’s efforts following Nestle Waters’ proposal to purchase and pump water from the Middlebrook well west of Elora.
“Instead of sitting on the sidelines of the struggle for water protection in our community Libby is actively involved with the Save Our Water group (a group of community members working to prevent the renewal of the water taking permit).”
In short, Smith wrote that while Carlaw’s health issues prevent her from returning to her teaching career, “she hasn’t let it hold her back from creating lasting change within her community.”
Area resident Debbie Reynolds wrote about Carlaw’s involvement in the Bungalow 55 Community Luncheon in Elora which takes place every Friday and involves people from all walks of life.
“Libby came and helped from the very first luncheon in the fall of 2015, despite being busy with numerous community projects, and has attended every one,” wrote Reynolds.
All of the contributions that Carlaw has made to the luncheon have been voluntary and done on her own initiative. “Because of this, she has become one of our most important volunteers and we have come to count on her for her help every week.”
Elora resident Jan Beveridge stated, “I have known Libby for a long time from her dedicated involvement in many community endeavours. I came to know Libby best, however, from working closely with her on the Save Our Water committee.” Beveridge added, “This is a cause close to Libby’s heart. Her family members have lived in the area and been stewards of the land over many generations. Libby has put her heart and soul into continuing this stewardship.”
Beveridge said “Libby’s goal of ‘painting the Township of Centre Wellington blue’ by raising awareness of the unacknowledged value and fragile nature of our rivers and aquifers, has been realized. She has made a true and important difference to the community, is most deserving of the Citizen-of the Year honour, and I am happy to support her nomination.”
Donna McCaw wrote that she admires Carlaw’s determination, generous soul, her considerable skills, and her insights.”
McCaw added “Following the example of her mother, the late Nora Carlaw, a former municipal councillor, Libby has joined various groups that she believes improve our community.”
Centre Wellington’s Awards of Excellence are on May 17 at 6:30pm, with the theme “Superheroes of Centre Wellington.”
