KENILWORTH – Volunteer Service Awards from Wellington North Township were presented to nine people during a council meeting on June 23.
This year’s recipients are Bev Fettes, Nick Hansen, Jessica McFarlane, Chris McIntosh, Al Rawlins, Sharon Wenger, Mikayla Humphrey, Kelsey Lennox and Flynn Wettlaufer.
Councillor Sherry Burke presented the awards, and noted the council chamber was crowded with supporters.
“It’s always nice to have standing room only, especially when it’s a happy occasion.”
Bev Fettes has been a volunteer at the Mount Forest Museum and Archives for more than 20 years, assisting with various tasks that contribute to the preservation of Mount Forest’s history.
Nick Hansen has been a member of the Arthur Optimist Club for more than a decade, serving the club in various roles and “playing an integral role in several community betterment projects,” officials stated in a press release.
Jessica McFarlane is a member of several committees in Mount Forest, including the Mount Forest Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Mount Forest Aquatics Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee.
Burke said she has “had the pleasure to work with her on several committees [and] Jessica does a great job … especially with social media for the aquatics because some of us just don’t know how to do that – we’re not technically savvy.”
Chris McIntosh has been a key member of the Arthur Business Improvement Area (BIA), Arthur Agricultural Society and the leadership of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for more than 20 years.
Al Rawlins is a longtime member of the Arthur Lions Club and has held various roles within the club.
“He has also contributed to countless community betterment projects in Arthur over the past 20-plus years,” officials stated.
Sharon Wenger has contributed countless hours to the organization and delivery of the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival, as well as the Mount Forest and District Chamber of Commerce.
“I know how much work she puts into the fireworks festival,” Burke said, “leading many of the committee meetings and just making sure that we have a great festival.”
Mikayla Humphrey and Kelsey Lennox are two of the three youth recipients.
“They have both volunteered with the Arthur Agricultural Society in various roles, lending a helping hand wherever it is needed,” officials stated.
Most recently, the two co-led the youth and social media initiatives.
Flynn Wettlaufer is the third youth recipient and has spent the past few years volunteering with the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival.
“Wettlaufer is always willing to provide a helping hand wherever it is needed at the festival,” officials state.
“And I will attest to that,” Burke added. “Volunteers are the backbone of any community, and Wellington North in no different. “
Mayor Andy Lennox said, “On behalf of council and staff at the Township of Wellington North, congratulations and thank you for everything you do to help make our community a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
He noted the township wanted to present the awards during a volunteer event that “unfortunately had to be cancelled due to a power outage.”
