| Jun 29, 2016


For the 18th time, Central Frontenac Township marked the month of June, seniors' month, by handing out certificates to Seniors of the Year from each of its four districts. With Mayor Frances Smith away in Northumberland County fulfilling some of her responsibilities as Frontenac County Warden, it fell to Deputy Mayor Bill MacDonald to preside over the ceremony.

MacDonald, who was the mayor of the township between 1998 and 2006, said, “It was always my favourite meeting of the year when we took the time to recognise people who contribute in so many ways to the fabric of our community, and it's an honour to step in for Frances this year.”

He then introduced Councilor Tom Dewey, who presented the first award to the winners from Kennebec District.

“It was impossible to acknowledge one person without recognising the other in this instance,” said Dewey in announcing the award winners, Judy and Terry Kennedy.

The Kennedys both were school principals in Toronto. They purchased some waterfront property on Kennebec Lake in the 1970s for $4,000 and eventually bought the adjacent property and house. They moved to Kennebec Lake when they retired in 2003. Terry has been the president of the Kennebec Lake Association for the past 11 years, and Judy hosts the annual Canada Day Flotilla barbeque for association members. They have both been active members in the Friends of Arden, a group founded by Dorothy Proctor, and were instrumental in the Arden sign installation, the development of the Matson Mile trail, and the annual Arden cleanup day. On a township level, Terry has been involved in developing a mandatory septic re-inspection program and a Safe Properties Bylaw. Judy also volunteers at Circle Square Ranch and is a member of the Kennebec Recreation Committee.

In receiving the award, Terry said, “I was tempted to decline when offered the award because I'm not big on awards, but Judy set me straight. It is important to be supportive of the township's efforts to support volunteers.”

Councilor Jamie Riddell then presented the award in Olden District to Arlene Uens. Before presenting the award, Riddell said that nine years ago, when he was out of work and Arlene was working as an employment officer with Northern Connections, “She really helped me get into my current career.

Arlene Uens is responsible for the flower gardens, signs, and murals that grace the Village of Mountain Grove, an effort that continues to develop year after year.

“It's a labour of love, digging in the village, and mostly I transplant flowers from my sister's garden, so she deserves a lot of the credit,” said Arlene. “All the communities in North and Central Frontenac are becoming more and more beautiful because more people are getting involved in this effort.”

Councilor Philip Smith introduced Colleen Steele, this year's winner from Hinchinbrooke ward.

“Everyone knows Colleen, since she worked at Goodfellow's store and the Foodland in Parham for all those years. She is also an elder in the United Church, and a supporter of the recreation committee, always running the canteen and preparing desserts. She does the Earth Day cleanup, runs the children's games at the Parham Fair, and I just found out she has been a member of the Oddfellows and Rebekahs for 46 years,” said Smith.

“ A true volunteer never looks for rewards or credits. They give so that everyone in community can benefit. I thank you for this recognition,” said Colleen.

The award for Oso District was given to Wayne Robinson, who was not available to receive it because he was away. Robinson was the founding director of North Frontenac Community Services, the founder of Pillar Financial, and has been involved in community projects for decades. Recently he has been working with Frontenac County on the completion of the K&P Trail.

“He is a contributor to any and every project going,” said Bill MacDonald.

Finally, a special award was handed out on behalf of the provincial government to Marcel Giroux, whose name had been forwarded by the township and was selected by the Government of Ontario.

Giroux has spent over 60 years in the township and was involved in the founding of the Frontenac Arena and St. James Catholic Church's building project, among numerous other ventures. He was also the chair of the 9-1-1 committee, the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board, and other institutions.

Before the awards were given out, the Arden Glee Club entertained the winners and their families with a 20- minute concert. The ceremony was followed by refreshments prepared by township staff.

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