A big thank you

It could be said that the strength of any community can be measured by the strength of its volunteers. And no one understands that better than the Town of Windsor and the Municipality of West Hants. That is why, once a year, they honor those individuals and businesses that give of themselves so generously. The 2008 Community Volunteer Awards Banquet took place at the Brooklyn Fire Hall May 1. Town Crier Lloyd Smith, also an award recipient, opened the ceremony. The Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary served a fine dinner with Kevin Bottaro as the event emcee, and Erin Murley provided the music.

Windsor recreation director VanEssa Roberts, West Hants recreation director Cathy Kehoe and members of both councils presented the various awards. Windsor Mayor Anna Allen and West Hants Warden Richard Dauphinee took a moment, as well, to thank the volunteers represented there that evening, and in general.

“You bring prosperity to our communities with your kindness,” Dauphinee said. “You all have made a positive impact in the lives of others and are good example for us to follow.” He added that volunteers tend to be modest people who deserve recognition and encouragement. “This is not a retirement party tonight; we will need you tomorrow as much as we have today.”

Allen said there are many personal benefits to volunteering that give individuals a sense of inner joy. “Volunteering can be a life-changing experience,” she said. “And I’m sure many of you here tonight are already hooked.”

This year’s Volunteer Award recipients include:

Debbie Acker; Karen Carrigan; Brad Carrigan; Heather Desveaux; Angela Whitehead; Lynne Kirumira; Crista Caldwell; Lillian Lyon; Shelly Lyon; Heather Fletcher; Vera Sanford; Sandra Langdon; Francis Oliver; Percy Woodman; Paul Beasley; Nicole Kilfoil Oulton; James Dauphinee; Denise Turnbull; Barbara Frank; Brenna Swinamer; John Wilson; Richard Cole; Lloyd Smith; Candis Rehgbreg-Tousignan; Kayla Leary and Brett Phillips.

Both the town and the municipality awarded former Jaycee Tracy Whattam through a special nomination for her contribution to that organization.

On the behalf of West Hants, Warden Dauphinee presented the Business Community Appreciations Award to Waste Management. And on behalf of Windsor, Mayor Anna Allen awarded the Cocoa Pesto Bistro and Woodshire Inn.

The West Hants Provincial Representative Volunteer award went to Pat Swineamer for her work with the Newport Jolly Seniors. Daryl Sullivan represented Windsor at the Provincial Awards and was this year’s Judy Fry Memorial Volunteer Award Recipient. Chris Fry presented that plaque on behalf of the foundation.