Volunteers are the heart and soul of King

May 13, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
King’s steadfast volunteers are very heart of this municipality.
That was the message that permeated the Trisan Centre last week, as King paid tribute to many of its dedicated, long-serving volunteers – our best natural resources.
“I am honoured and privileged to have this opportunity to offer recognition to so many volunteers in King,” said Mayor Steve Pellegrini. “Volunteerism is essential to King. Not only do your efforts create a foundation that defines the character of King, but they immeasurably enhance the quality of our community.
“So whether you coach, serve on a Township board, help run one of our many events, participate in a clean-up, help at the food bank or any number of other volunteer activities within our township, I want to express my sincere thanks.”
The awards, he said, are initiated by the residents of King, who nominate the recipients.
Ward 1 Councillor Cleve Mortelliti said the community is indebted to all those who volunteer. He mentioned the King City Lions Club, an organization that contributed to his youth growing up in King. The “purity that comes with the volunteer spirit” is remarkable and this spirit finds its way into King’s guiding documents, such as the Sustainability Plan.
Ward 2 Councillor David Boyd noted that volunteering has been proven to be good for your physical health. It provides great job-related skills and he lauded the “gifts given by our volunteers. Everyone’s life is touched by volunteers” in some way.
Councillor Linda Pabst stressed our volunteers are the “very heart and soul of the Township of King.
“You make this community what it is today.”
She also made special mention of the men and women of King’s Fire and Emergency Services, who serve and protect residents.
King is “volunteer-rich,” according to Councillor Bill Cober, who mentioned that families of volunteers are always beside them and behind them.
Councillor Debbie Schaefer said she finds it hard to believe volunteers have such time and energy to commit to their special causes. Many volunteers are seniors and they volunteer “because they have heart.”
Community events and resident involvement continue to grow in King, and so does our quality of life. Volunteers, she said, are the lifeblood of this community.
King Clerk Kathryn Smyth read a long list of community groups and organizations that serve King, a list that always grows. “That’s remarkable,” she observed.
Mayor Pellegrini paid tribute to Henry Verbruggen, who passed away recently.
Verbruggen was an active member of the Schomberg Agricultural Society for many years, as a director and committee chairperson. He was a member of the local chamber of commerce; a founding member of the Schomberg Curling Club, Schomberg Village Association, and the Farmers’ Market, which he never stopped trying to improve. His involvement in the Township’s Farmers’ Market, Fair, and Main Street Christmas are all “great examples of his generous contribution of time and effort.”
He was “one of the most amazing, hard-working volunteers in Schomberg … with a heart of gold.”

Special Presentation

The mayor made a special presentation to the Schomberg Red Wing Juveniles hockey team, recognizing them for their successful season as OMHA CC champs. He also praised the hard work and dedication by all those involved.

Citizen of the Year

The highlight of the event was the presentation of Citizen of the Year, to Paul Olsen.
Olsen has a strong supporter and member of the Nobleton Lions Club, and has embraced the annual Purina Walk for Dog Guides fundraiser, which will be held May 31 in Nobleton.
He’s been involved in the Nobleton United Church and secured a grant to help the church’s accessibility. He has volunteers for several Township committees and has been a local businessman for many years, founding Brookdale Treeland Nursery, an annual sponsor of the Schomberg Fair.
Paul’s “incredible fundraising efforts have provided many opportunities for various King Township focused organizations.”

Lifetime Achievement

The Lifetime Achievement Award is an award to recognize outstanding citizenship within the community, with many years of dedicated service and devotion to the residents of King.
Presented in Recognition of his special dedication, generosity and time to his community as an active member of the Schomberg Minor Hockey Association, as coach for the past 45 years, Larry Gould was honoured. He developed the Schomberg Minor Hockey constitution and rules of operation, serving as president, ice scheduler, and tournament director, as well as convening at the Simcoe and OMHA levels. As a coach in the local league, he established himself as a role model for your young players.
“Your gentle sense of humor and mutual respect for the players personifies what minor hockey should be,” Mayor Pellegrini said.
Long-standing member of the King Township Public Library Board Michael Schwartzkopf was another recipient. He has served on the library board for 25 years and was once president of the King Chamber of Commerce.
“Your dedication to improving the quality of life in King Township by serving on various library committees is greatly admired,” the mayor said.
Reliable, faithful, and cheerful head of maintenance at the Nobleton United Church for over the past 50 years, Charles Snider was presented with his award.
A familiar face in the community, Gary Vogan has a long list of achievements.
He’s been a volunteer for the Kettleby Fair and King Township Food Bank; served on various Township committees; is founder and treasurer of the Kettleby Village Association; founder of Canada Day in Kettleby Park, and initiated Christmas in Kettleby. Vogan also served on the King Chamber of Commerce. For over a decade, he has played a significant role in organizing and presenting Kettleby Fair until its demise in 2014. In addition to successfully creating a Heritage Designation, his dedication and contribution has helped shape the future of the Kettleby community.
Carol Ann Trabert, director of the King Township Food Bank, presented Vogan with a bouquet of flowers and praised his efforts.

Special Recognition

Long-serving Special Recognition Award is an award given to citizens who’ve made a special contribution to the community.
Fran Bones was honoured for supporting the Nobleton United Church as board member and co-chair, and through your dedication in volunteering with the Nobleton Fire Department, Nobleton Ambulance Service as well as coaching the girls softball team in the Nobleton Baseball Association.
The founder of the Nobleton Christmas Drive, Mary (Mimi) Buchanan, was also honoured. She has supported families in need with dinners and clothing and spent countless hours getting local businesses, schools and churches behind a great cause.
“Your dedication and contribution demonstrates the importance of ‘giving back,’” Pellegrini said.
Sue Iaboni has long been a promoter of the arts in King Township, as founder of Write Now @ King, president of Arts Society King (ASK), co-editor of Mosaic Magazine, board member of the York Region Arts Council and the King Township Museum Board. She’s also a member of the SHIFT Committee.
A 30-year volunteer with the Ansnorveldt Baseball Association, was praised. Thomas Miedema has been offering a helping hand with the Bradford Friday Night Dinners for those in need, as well as dedicating time each winter snow plowing the Holland Marsh District Christian School and The Holland Marsh Church.
Dianne Wear was honoured for her previous involvement as a member with the Township of King Seniors Advisory Committee, tireless efforts at the King City Seniors’ Centre and for countless hours spent decorating the centre for special events.

Senior Citizen
Award of Merit

The Senior Citizen Award of Merit is an award given to recognize and honor special contributions to the senior population of King.
Brunhild Baumhard was honoured for her years of dedication as a volunteer with the King City Seniors Centre and for her fundraising efforts with Laskay Hall, MacKenzie Health, Southlake Hospital, King City United Church, and Sacred Heart Church, as well as her involvement in the York Region 55+ Games.
An active member and membership registrar of the King City Seniors Centre, Dorothy Cheesman, received her award. She has supported the Cancer Society through the King City United Church, in the Marathon Walk for the Cancer Society, as well as providing transportation for the elderly.

Youth Award

The Youth Award of Merit is an award given to a younger citizen of the Township to recognize special contributions.
For his participation with the Township of King’s Summer Camp Volunteer Program, Marcus Avolio was honoured. He was praised for his dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership displayed during his volunteer work, which created unforgettable experiences for young campers.
Vincent Galloro received his award for his commitment assisting emergent readers and children through the King Township Public Library Reading Buddies Program.
Closing remarks were given by Rev. Richard Bodini, Holland Marsh Christian Reformed Church. He pointed out that volunteering is “caring for the people around you” and “investing in their lives.”