Community service mark of democratic legacy

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

MLA David Morse celebrated the spirit of the province's Democracy 250 initiative November 2, recognizing 12 Kings South residents for their outstanding volunteer commitments to their communities.

Morse told the intimate gathering of award recipients at the Blomidon Inn their "service to their community and their leadership are a tribute to the spirit of democracy that began here in Nova Scotia."

Each award recipient received a specially-commissioned Democracy 250 Citizenship certificate and medallion to mark the 250th anniversary of the first parliamentary democracy in Canada. "It is fitting that we honour these fine individuals in recognition of their efforts to make our area a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family," said Morse.

Award recipients included local volunteer fire chiefs Tim MacLeod, Wolfville; Wayne Johnstone, Waterville; Paul Maynard, Hants Border; Randy Schofield, Greenwich and Jim Redmond, New Minas. Morse praised each for being "morale boosters,” “accountable for the actions of their crews in protecting our citizens against the threat of fire.”

Retired RCMP Constables Keith Fahie and Gary Smith were also honoured. The recently-retired Fahie has been widely recognized as "an outstanding" member of the national police service, one who "treats everyone with respect and dignity." For his numerous community affiliations, including those with the Valley Regional Health Foundation, Valley Search and Rescue, Kings County Neighbourhood Watch, Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers and the New Minas Rotary Club; Smith was also named a recipient of the special award.

Wolfville Mayor Robert Stead, who received the Courage on Public Policy award from the Canadian Cancer Society and was instrumental in Wolfville's designation as the first Fair Trade town in Canada, was joined by long-serving Lions Club members LaVerne W. Lonergan and Bill King as inductees. Lonergan is known as "the heart and soul of the Coldbrook Lions, who attends everything and anything that pertains to the betterment of the community." King's quiet work behind the scenes with the Lions and as a volunteer at the Wolfville Elms and with Meals on wheels earned him the award.

Janet Ross's dedication to youth through coaching basketball and soccer was recognized by Morse, as was Lester Horton's 34-year volunteer career with the Scouting movement.

The Democracy 250 initiative was established to recognize Nova Scotia's pioneering role in shaping the evolution of democracy in Canada by establishing the first representative government in our country.