Duane Hicks
Well-known for his decades and decades of work in the community, including his dedication to the Sister Kennedy Centre here, local resident Nick Wihnan has been recognized as Fort Frances’ “Citizen of the Year” for 2011.
Wihnan was announced as the honouree yesterday, and officially will be saluted at the town’s annual appreciation dinner this Friday (Nov. 18) at La Place Rendez-Vous.
“I was honoured. I am still pinching myself,” Wihnan said in an interview this morning.
“I appreciate the fact they let me be on the [Sister Kennedy Centre] board,” he noted. “I do the work, and now I am being honoured for it.”
Wihnan added “it’s the people you work with” that makes it possible for him to do what he does.
Wihnan said that sometimes it is necessary for people to stand together for what they believe in to cut through government bureaucracy, recalling that he and a few others got together years ago to fight for a workers’ compensation case.
After seven hard-fought years, they prevailed in the worker’s favour.
“The one tear that came out was thanks [enough],” he remembered.
“It keeps me going, keeps me busy,” Wihnan smiled when asked why he remains an active volunteer and dedicated community member year after year.
The letter nominating him for the honour also speaks volumes about his ongoing commitment to the community.
“Volunteers are the backbone of any community, and society in general,” it read. “Nick has exemplified the meaning of the word ‘volunteer,’ not just this year but over a lifetime of service to his fellow man and citizens.
“Nick is deserving of this award because of the contribution he has made to hundreds of town citizens and seniors over his lifetime,” the letter continued.
“He dedicated his resources, and applied his skill, to make those in our community in need of help victorious in their hour of need, thus making Fort Frances a better place to live and raise their families.
“Nick has demonstrated the character and ability to accomplish difficult tasks, not only in public service but in his private life, as well,” it noted.
As one example, Wihnan helped the working men and women of Fort Frances as a past officer of the International Association of Machinists, and negotiated for better wages, pensions and drug, dental, and optical benefits, and vacation time.
He was awarded Labour Person of the Year for Fort Frances—“a deserving award he will cherish his entire lifetime,” the nomination read.
Wihnan also helped organize the first Injured and Disabled Workers Support Group in Fort Frances, and brought together hundreds of district residents “who were being deprived, not only of legally-recognized benefits, but participation in society.”
“Where individuals had no place to go for help, he created change, and assisted those in need with countless hours of volunteer time with no remuneration,” the letter continued.
“Nick’s strong desire for justice, high ethical standards, mercy, and fair play help many to have a better future and better life.”
Wihnan also helped secure funding, rent space, hire staff, and set up a new board to operate a legal clinic for Fort Frances, with a satellite office in Atikokan.
This clinic helps the entire district, including First Nations’ residents.
But while Wihnan spent much time and effort on workers’ compensation issues, Canada Pension issues, sick plan insurance claims, and municipal, provincial, and federal issues, his main love was working with seniors., especially those affiliated with the Sister Kennedy Centre, the nomination letter noted.
“This year, like every other past year, Nick has excelled over and above what any financial compensation could pay him. If seniors need help in any way, he was there and always helped them—no matter what the cause, he is there.”
When the Senior Games came to Fort Frances, Wihnan spearheaded the event to make it a success.
He also is devoted to his church, St. George’s Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church, performing maintenance projects there, as well as planting and maintaining the flower garden there.
He also volunteers his time as an altar person.
A total of four nominations for “Citizen of the Year” were submitted by the Oct. 17 deadline (as per custom, the identities of the other three nominees will not be revealed).
The selection committee—also comprised of Linda Hamilton (“Citizen of the Year 2008”), Gord McBride, and Coun. Paul Ryan—submitted their recommendation to council, which approved it at Monday night’s meeting.
