Maureen Richardson named King Township's Citizen of the Year
By Bill Rea

Nobleton's Maureen Richardson received Citizen of the Year honours Thursday night from Mayor Margaret Black.

Nobleton's Maureen Richardson has been named King Township's Citizen of the Year.

The announcement was made Thursday night at the Township's annual Volunteer Recognition Night.

In making the presentation, Mayor Margaret Black praised her for "the time, thought and effort so generously dedicated to the community, through the Chamber of Commerce, Public Library, Kingfest, Communities in Bloom, Victoria Day celebrations, parks and recreation, youth curling."

Only a few people in the room knew who the Citizen of the Year was going to be ahead of time, and Richardson clearly was not in that group.

"I had no idea," she said after the ceremonies, adding she was "overwhelmed" at the honour.

"I really didn't think that my contribution was that significant," she commented. "When you volunteer, you're not really thinking about how much you're doing. You're just participating in things you enjoy."

Black also commented on Richardson's work as pastpresident of the King Township Chamber of Commerce and the collaborative approach she used to dealing with issues relating to the Chamber. She also helped start News and Views, a quarterly publication from the Chamber that was sent to every home in the Township. As well, she created the youth business award at King City Secondary School, and was a sponsor and supporter of the Kingstock Battle of the Bands two years ago.

King Township is rich in volunteers, as the number of people recognized Thursday night demonstrates.

"Her tireless efforts have done much to benefit many," Black declared. "She stands out immensely and deserves to be recognized this evening."

Richardson was among many in the community singled out for special recognition Thursday night, as Black stressed their importance to the community.

Others agreed.

"It's really the strength of the community," commented York - Simcoe MPP Julia Munro as she praised the volunteers in attendance. "You are the ones that do so much to ensure the type of community that we live in and the quality of life that we all enjoy."

Oak Ridges - Markham MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek commented she has met many local volunteers in the time she's been in office. "It has been a wonderful experience for me," she said, "to get to know so many wonderful people who give of their time."

Township Clerk Chris Somerville read a list of the many volunteer groups that operate in King. "This is a very long list," she observed, adding it includes historical groups, the Chamber of Commerce, village associations, fair committees, Lions clubs, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, horticultural societies, environmental groups, etc.

"I think volunteers are fabulous," commented Councillor Jeff Laidlaw. "The volunteer is the surest way to get the job done right, done fast and get it done at a good cost."

"You are the backbone of our community," declared Councillor Linda Pabst.

"King Township's social capital is very wealthy," observed Councillor Bill Cober.

"I can't imagine how our township would look if it were not for the volunteers over the years," Councillor Jane Underhill commented.

"I think volunteers don't realize what they really mean to society and King Township," Councillor Jack Rupke observed. "If it weren't for volunteers, the lifestyle wouldn't be what it is today."

The list of those volunteers receiving special recognition Thursday night is as follows, along with information about their activities provided by the Township.

Susy Payne was recognized for the work she's done on many volunteer projects with the school council at Holy Name Catholic School, the King City Youth Soccer Club, and NobleKing Minor Hockey Association, along with her activities at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Jeff Simpson was cited for his work in the development of the Cold Creek Conservation Area, Arts Society King and Humber Trail Association, along with volunteer work at the McMichael gallery.

Carol Field has devoted much time, thought and effort to the King Township Historical Society, the Nobleton - King City Horticultural Society, the King City 39ers and the King City Seniors' Centre.

Jane Binions has been active with Community Home Assistance To Seniors (CHATS) as a volunteer driver, as well as organizing Schomberg's main Street Christmas. She was also cited for her work with the King Township Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Louise Di Iorio was recognized for her work with the King Township Historical Society, Lloydtown Rebellion Association, the archives committee, King Township Heritage Committee and Arts Society King.

Cathy Webster has been active for years in the local Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of Arts Society King.

Joanne Duclos has been active in organizing the Main Street Christmas parade, along with her work with the Kettleby Village Association, organizing the Kettleby Fair parade and developing the Cold Creek Forest and Wildlife Centre.

Carol Ann Trabert has worked with the King Township Food Bank, Kettleby Fair, Communities in Bloom, Carrying Place Residents' Association, Gardens for King and Christ Church.

Anita Phillips was cited for her contributions to the Schomberg community, including with the agricultural society, skating club, arena and community centre committee, Main Street Christmas, the annual Mayor's Charity Golf Challenge and the Tournament of Champions.

Maria Pedersen received recognition for her work with the Nobleton - King City Horticultural Society, caring for community gardens, picking up litter from streets and parks and her contributions to Communities in Bloom, as well as her help decorating King City at Christmas with evergreens.

Jocelyn Donaldson was cited for her contributions to Nobleton Senior Public School, teaching Sunday school and her help with the Christmas pageant at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, along with working on community clean-ups.

Lynn Hunt has made many contributions to the Schomberg Agricultural and Community Arena Committee of Management, and has helped revitalize the refreshment booth.

Ivan Plus was honoured for his work with the Kettleby - Pottageville Lions Hall Committee of Management.

Susanne Prince has been active with Main Street Christmas, and she was recognized for the work that has contributed to the success of the event.

Monica Duggan received her recognition for her work with the Schomberg Community Hall Committee of Management. "Monica's into everything," Black declared.

Senior Citizen

Awards of Merit

Sandy and Charles Hansford have put combined volunteer efforts into the King City Seniors' Centre, helping out with the many programs and events.

Cliff Kettlewell has put in many years of volunteer service with the King City Lions club, as well as helping out with many events at the King City Seniors' Centre.

Vince Cancelli was cited for his volunteer efforts with the King City Seniors' Centre Committee, York Seniors' Games, King City Soccer and the new Seniors' Advisory Committee.

Lifetime Achievement

Awards

Dr. David Harper received recognition for the volunteer service he has dedicated to many organizations, such as the Nobleton Lions Club, York Central Hospital, King Township committee of Adjustment, the Asphasia Society, the Epilepsy and the King Township Public Library.

Joan Jackaman was cited for many years of volunteer service, including with Nobleton United Church, Nobleton Women's Institute, Communities in Bloom, the local horticultural society, Nobleton Community Hall and the Township's blue Box program.

Jerry McBain was noted for the many years he has served the community as a member of the arena and community centre board in Nobleton.

The Nobleton Women's Institute was recognized for improving the lives of women in the community and their families for 100 years, as well as devoting countless hours to recording and preserving the heritage of the village and raising funds for numerous projects.

The Nobleton - King City Horticultural Society was recognized for 50 years of commitment to beautifying the neighbourhood through plant sales, flower shows, garden tours, etc.

Youth Award

of Merit

Stephanie Marie Zacchigna was noted for her volunteer work with the Nobleton Skating club as a program assistant, substitute coach and her help with the annual skating competition and awards presentation, as well as her canvassing for the Canadian Cancer Society.