Duane Hicks
As the town looks for individual nominees for its annual “Citizen of the Year” award, Coun. Ken Perry suggested last night that J.W. Walker School get special recognition as a group which does good work in the community at the town’s annual appreciation supper next month.
“The ‘Citizen of the Year,’ I am told, must be an individual as opposed to a group or organization,” Coun. Perry wrote in a letter received by council at last night’s meeting.
“I have noticed in the past several years that a certain group has been mentioned over and over again when it comes to doing good and making our town a better place to live in,” he noted.
“The students and certain staff from J.W. Walker School have done many good and important projects in the recent past and are continuing presently.
“They have been involved with energy and water conservation. They carried the message about the value of rain barrels and even convinced the town to stock barrels for sale.
“They are at the forefront of clean-up efforts in the parks and along the waterfront with their yearly clean-up day,” he added.
“They have participated in ‘Local Government Week.’ They have been before this council on numerous occasions with presentations of essays and posters promoting a better lifestyle in our town,” Coun. Perry continued.
“J.W. Walker School students and staff are a very good example of an exemplary citizen in our community.
“I am asking that we may honour them with a special mention, and possibly a plaque that could hang in an appropriate location in the school.
“In a time when we have identified a lack of volunteerism and participation from the public, this would be an excellent opportunity to show an example to the public of what we appreciate from our young people,” he concluded.
Council liked Coun. Perry’s suggestion, and referred it to the Administration and Finance executive committee for its recommendation.
Coun. Andrew Hallikas noted perhaps council should develop a mechanism for recognizing groups as well as individuals in the future.
Mayor Roy Avis said maybe the town should look at how it shows its appreciation each year, and in a case like this, possibly hold an appreciation day at Sunny Cove Camp.
Meanwhile, the town continues to accept nominations for its 23rd-annual “Citizen of the Year” award.
Anyone who has taken on charitable fundraising, organized community events, or just lent a helping hand is eligible to receive the award if they are nominated by a fellow resident.
The only stipulation is that the recipient be a resident of the Town of Fort Frances, and that the nominee not presently hold elected office.
Nomination forms can be picked up at the information desk at the Civic Centre and must be turned in by 4 p.m. next Friday (Oct. 22).
Five nominations had been submitted as of yesterday afternoon.
