Community Volunteers Acknowledged and Thanked
By John Francis, Bruce Peninsula Press
After a pandemic hiatus, Recognition Day returned to Northern Bruce Peninsula on April 19. The event was held at the Rotary Hall in Lion’s Head, with all of Council in attendance along with the Municipal Clerk and CAO.
An excellent spread of finger food filled tables in the middle of the hall; Rotary manned the bar at the back of the room.
Recognition Day offers an opportunity for community members and stakeholders to acknowledge the contribution of special volunteers and for those volunteers to be formally recognized and thanked by staff and council.
Voluntarism has been particularly important during the pandemic, with isolation and quarantine making life difficult for the vulnerable.
Linda Godhue made the first presentation, recognizing Spencer Adams for ongoing work at Tobermory Food Bank. Spencer is the cheerful face of the food bank, making it easy — and fun — to visit.
Peninsula Bruce Trail Club enjoys the support of dozens of volunteers every year. President Tamara Wilson recognized seven of them for their contributions during the pandemic: Marg and Owen Glendon, Tom Hall, Laura Browne, Laura Pisko, Les McBeth and Saabir Sohrab.
John Rodgers of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association spoke about Mike Warkentin’s tireless efforts on behalf of dark skies initiatives and Bayside Astronomy.
Linda Holden of Lion’s Head Hospital Auxiliary acknowledged and thanked Anni Brejak, Darlene Dilamarter, Donna Grenke and Sheila Inniss.
Connie Tackaberry spoke on behalf of the Peninsula SWANS, the women’s group that formed when the Lioness Club disbanded. Connie mentioned (and presented carnations to) ten of the club’s volunteers: Jane Clayton, Cathy McLay, Katie Reimer-Catteau, Bev Miller, Roberta Mielhausen, Dannah Oliver (who was also a founding member of the Lioness group *several* years ago), Lindsay deMalmanche, Bonnie Warder, Shirley Teasdale and Jackie Souter.
Elaine Sinha of Tobermory Legion recognized and praised the longtime contributions of Jo Anne Lane.
NBP Community Support (which runs the Seniors Centre Without Walls programs) recognized five of its core volunteers, Debbie Dover, Pat Howes, Marlene Davis, Don Colter and Sharron Colter.
Bev Miller, speaking on behalf of the Lion’s Head Food Bank, recognized the exceptional efforts of Darlene Myles.
Mayor Milt McIver recognized Jace Weir for his many contributions to The Meeting Place among other organizations; in particular, the Mayor acknowledged Jace’s work doing income tax returns for those who can’t afford an accountant.
Nancy Forgrave of Bruce Peninsula Hospice thanked Anita Cunningham for her care and support of the bereaved.
The Victoria Order of Nurses SMART Program acknowledged volunteers Sherri Panter and Ricki German.
Cathryn Buckley, presenting on behalf of the Bruce Peninsula Rotary Club, recognized the many contributions of longtime Rotarian John White.
