Duane Hicks
“Growing up in a small town such as this
gave me such memories of friendship and fun.
It’s great to look back and reminisce
Fort Frances to me is number one.”
The words of a poem written by Ruth Caldwell sum up why it’s no surprise she was named the 2016 “Citizen of the Year.”
The former children’s librarian and lifelong volunteer was among the individuals honoured last Thursday during the Town of Fort Frances’ annual appreciation dinner at the arena auditorium.
“It has been a long year,” noted Caldwell, who first was awarded the honour in November and since then has received seemingly no end of “congratulations” and “well-wishes.”
“It’s really exciting,” she enthused.
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose,” Caldwell said, quoting George Bernard Shaw.
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
“I want to be thoroughly used up when I die for the harder I work, the more I live,” she continued.
“Life is no ‘brief candle’ for me,” Caldwell read. “It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
“I couldn’t have said it better,” remarked Caldwell, who has an extensive track record of volunteerism, with a few of her current affiliations being the Rainycrest Auxiliary, the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary, and “Friends of the Library.”
“Thank you everyone. This is quite an honour; it’s something I’ll cherish forever,” she said just before receiving a standing ovation.
Caldwell’s son, Randy, also shared a few heartfelt words, noting the 2016 “Citizen of the Year” award “is a great honour for her and the family.”
“She’s a wonderful, wonderful lady,” echoed Coun. June Caul, who emceed the appreciation dinner.
Attended by upwards of 130 people, the annual dinner also was an occasion for the town to recognize local media, its management group, and the volunteers sitting on the various boards and committees.
Fort Frances CAO Doug Brown also lauded the mayor and council, noting they represent the people, got to balance a budget, and be fiscally responsible. But in doing so, they can’t make everyone happy.
Their dedication cannot be questioned, however.
“We have people who are very committed to making our town better,” Brown said.
The dinner, once again catered by local chef Marc Nagant, also was an occasion to recognize town employees who retired in the past year.
They included firefighter Rod Davis, fire chief/CEMC Frank Sheppard, storeskeeper Gerry Hawley, and facilities attendant Bill Tetreault.
Also recognized were town staff who recently achieved 25 years of service.
They included Darwin Woods, Early Childhood Educators Marilyn Ogden and Jennifer Eckman, equipment operator Richard Walton, and bylaw enforcement officer Arlene “Plum” Byrnes.
Employees who already have achieved 25 years of service, as well past retirees, also were recognized.
