South Frontenac Volunteers of the year

Jun 18, 2015

This years' recipients of Volunteer of the Year honours were handed out at a ceremony and reception at the Township Hall in Sydenham. This year;s deserving recipients are Joan Cameron, Debbie Lingen, and Barb Stewart.

Joan Cameron is, among other things, the women behind the Grace Centre, which has filled a niche in Sydenham ever since it opended 4 years ago.

She joined the Board of Southern Frontenac Community Services in 2009, quickly became chair, and soon after started pushing for the agency to take over Grace United Church and turn into program space as well as an Arts Centre.

While there was initial reluctance the board and staff soon caught the bug of her enthusiasm and the project got underway.

Joan cleaned every nook and cranny of the building’ cleaning out cupboards, painting, working with contractors to complete tasks on schedule. She also coordinated getting the old bell from the church refinished in order to preserve the heritage of the building.

In addition to the building she has helped increase SFCS' footprint in the community, both with the senior and low income populations that they serve.

Debbie Lingen moved to Verona with her husband Roy in 2006, and quickly became an active member of the Verona Community Association, and is now the Association's President. She is also the Chair of the annual Cattail Festival in August.

Debbie spear-headed and chairs the newly created “Christmas in the Village”, a celebration that replaced the Christmas Tree Lighting. It is held at the Verona Lions Centre and this event continues to be a tremendous success. Activities such as decorating a Christmas tree in the pavilion, family games, chili and hot dog supper and live entertainment are all free for the patrons.

As our readers know well, Debbie also writes the Verona column for the News. She spends hours tracking down newsworthy items and events in the hamlet of Verona and writes interesting articles to keep our community residents informed.

Barbara Stewart has been the driving force of the Portland District and Area Heritage Society as preparations are underway for the opening of the Township’s new museum in Hartington on August 15.

Barb Stewart, the President of the Society, has coordinated the planning for the opening exhibition as well as the design and construction of the interior museum space. All this has been managed over and above her leadership role in the Society’s ongoing fund raising and community outreach activities and responsibilities.

Barb is a twenty-year volunteer and leading member of the Verona Cattail Festival, a volunteer with the Society at the Verona Lions Garlic Festival, the Harrowsmith Canada Day celebrations and a cherished member of the Verona Trinity United Church Session and congregation.

Barb and her late husband Charlie were part of everything that made South Frontenac an amazing place to live.