On June 20, Doug Mitten became the latest recipient of the annual Puslinch Senior of the Year Award.
Mayor Dennis Lever said “June is a very important month in the province of Ontario. It is Seniors’ Month and it is the 28th year. It is also the 18th anniversary of the Senior of the Year awarded within individual municipalities.”
“I’m very pleased to announce that Dough Mitten is the award winner for Senior of the Year.”
Lever’s statement was met with a round of applause, especially those who worked hard to ensure he was taken by surprise by the announcement.
“I wondered what this was all about,” Mitten said.
Lever noted that he had a few details written out.
“I don’t think any of it is an outright lie,” Lever laughed.
He said Mitten graduated from the University of Guelph and founded Mitten Vinyl in the 1950s.
“He moved to Puslinch in 1970 and has been a tireless supporter and key driver of the improvement efforts for Puslinch Lake.”
A number of members of the Puslinch Lake Conservation Association were in attendance to watch him receive the award.
Lever said, “Doug has supported this work both significantly financially and participation in various work programs and fund raising events.”
Mitten also served on: the Hespeler arena commission, Hespeler United Way, Preston High School Board, an Elder at St. Luke’s United Church in Hespeler, a past member of the Cambridge Rotary Club.
Lever quipped, “I keep hearing the word Hespeler, but I like to think of it as Puslinch West.”
He added Mitten has been very busy this year. “Last month Mitten Vinyl received the 2012 Brantford Chamber of Commerce Company of the Year award. It’s been a pretty significant year for both you and the company.”
“Doug, on behalf of Township of Puslinch and all of the residents, congratulations on receiving this provincial recognition and thank you for all your efforts.”
Mitten said he was flabbergasted and honoured.
“I really appreciate everyone lying about me like that,” he joked. “Thanks a lot.”
Mitten was then presented with a certificate signed by Minister Responsible for Seniors Linda Jeffrey; Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley; and the mayor.
