“I just can’t believe this – and I don’t even have any hair.”
That statement by John Wheatley of South River Road between Elora and Fergus was partly typical of the reaction of someone who has just been “ambushed” – and named Centre Wellington’s Citizen of the Year.”
Wheatley, like all the other citizens before him, expressed some shock at the honour.
“You’re kidding,” he said.
But Chamber of Commerce President Michael Weinstein assured the honoree that his visitors to his South River Road home were serious.
“You were the choice of the judges,” he said, adding, “And you know how the judges work.”
Wheatley himself has been a judge for the Citizen of the Year many times.
Wheatley said, “It’s a wonderful celebration in terms of where I am with my health right now.” He assured everyone he is feeling better these days and he plans to attend the gala later this month when the chamber honours a number of businesses and people.
Centre Wellington Township sponsors the Citizen of the Year award, and Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj attended the presentation.
“I saw his work with Rotary and with St. Joseph Church,” she said. “The amount of time he gives on his own to the community … He’s always one to volunteer. It’s my pleasure to honour him.”
Don and Janet Vallery, in one of several letters of support for Wheatley’s nomination, wrote, “One of his many significant accomplishments was as chair of the Community Campaign for Groves Redevelopment Project to raise funds for a new hospital. John and his dedicated team raised over $1-million in their door-to-door campaign and other community events.”
Joan and George Rolfe cited Wheatley’s community work. He was not only a board member of the Chamber of Commerce but also sat on the adjudicating committee for the Citizen of the Year for many years.
Russ Spicer wrote Wheatley is a long time member of the Fergus Elora Rotary Club, and served as its president in 2008-2009, and in his term as president, designed and built the memorial display case in recognition of the club’s history.
Deb Dalziel cited Wheatley’s work with the area Bed and Breakfast Association, and noted it was through his efforts that the Elora and Fergus groups started working together.
Jim Gibbons wrote, “I first met John when he chaired the Guelph Wellington United Appeal a few years ago. He carried out this responsibility with excellent results and showed his ability to bring people together to achieve success.”
Gibbons also cited Wheatley for his work in fundraising for the building committee of St. Joseph’s Church, as well as his fundraising for the hospital.
Something new
The township has a new group working to enhance the community, and it became involved in this year’s presentation to Wheatley.
The Centre Wellington Community Foundation is dedicated to raising funds and supporting community causes.
Representative Randall Howard presented Wheatly with a cheque for $500. That money is to be used by Wheatley to make a donation to an area charity of his choice.
“This is the first annual,” Howard said of the grant to the Citizen of the Year. “It’s a good way to raise the profile of philanthropy in the community.”
