Bolton's Bob Smith is Caledon's 2008 Volunteer Champion
By Bill Rea

Bob Smith addressed the audience last Wednesday night after being named Caledon's Volunteer Champion of 2008.

It's been said many times that a community like Caledon could not operate as it does without its volunteers.

The people who run the Town know that, and they demonstrated just that last Wednesday.

The Town hosted its annual Caledon Volunteer and Citizen Achievement Awards ceremonies.

The highlight of the evening was the naming of long-time Bolton resident Bob Smith as Volunteer Champion.

In making the announcement, Mayor Marolyn Morrison paid tribute to Smith's years of service to the community, through such organizations as Rotary, Salvation Army, Bolton United Church, etc.

She also pointed out Smith has been made a Paul Harris Fellow (the highest recognition in Rotary) four times.

"This is almost unheard of," she declared, "to be honoured with this award so many times."

"Bob is a friend to all,' the mayor added, pointing out he's still active in the community.

For many years, Smith was well-known in the Bolton core as the pharmacist on the corner.

Mayor Marolyn Morrison congratulated Bob Smith on being named Caledon's Volunteer Champion of 2008.

He told the audience he came to Bolton from Brampton in 1951 and started working in a drug store, and at the time, he didn't think the area was going to grow much.

He also reflected on the work he's done in the community over the years. "I'm tremendously pleased if I've been able to help," he remarked.

More than 50 residents of Caledon received recognition at last week's event, and Smith later said when he first received his invitation, he didn't know he was going to be singled out as he was.

"I didn't realize it was a little bit extra," he remarked.

Contributing to the community is a useful pursuit for any business person, Smith observed, pointing out it makes sense to be well though of.

"Be known," he said. "Be well known."

"If I can do anything for the community, I try," he added. "That's all you can do."

"We're here together to commemorate Caledon's finest in volunteering," Morrison commented as she welcomed the audience, calling the recipients "true heroes."

The members of Caledon East Wetlands Environmental Team accepting the Environmentalist of the Year Award last Wednesday were Horst Truttenbach, Walter Getman, Dave Mullan, Ed Elliotson and Warren Young.

"I want personally to thank each of you to the services to our community," commented Dufferin - Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones. "Your dedication makes a real difference in our community."

CFRB Senior Correspondent and Caledon resident Tayler Parnaby, last year's Volunteer Champion, was Master of Ceremonies at last week's event, and he pointed out a lot of work went into selecting the volunteers who were to receive recognition. "It's been a long process," he remarked.

Environmentalist of the

Year

The Caledon Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) chose the Caledon East Wetlands Environmental Team (CEWET) as Environ-mentalist of the Year.

CEAC explained this is a group of Caledon East residents, Horst Truttenbach, Walter Getman, Dave Mullan, Ed Elliotson and Warren Young, who have put in tireless volunteer efforts for a number of years on numerous environmental projects in both the Humber and Credit River watersheds.

Erika Pugsley and Jennifer Yakimishyn were presented with Sports Achievement Awards.

One of their first projects was restoration of the Caledon East Wetland and adjacent Centreville Creek, and since then there has been the addition of elevated and railed wooden walkways and natural viewing platforms.

As well, several small ponds have been created, along with the planting of trees and shrubs, under the auspices of he Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

CEAC also pointed out CEWET has done a lot of work with private property owners, organizing hands-on workshops to help them with habitat and bank rehabilitation.

As well, CEAC pointed to the CEWET's ability to know which group to approach for funding.

Cat Cybolski of CEAC said the award includes a $500 contribution tot eh environment project of the winner's choice, and CEWET chose Ontario Streams, based in Belfountain.

"You guys obviously love what you're doing," Parnaby remarked.

The following is a list of the other award recipients for the evening from various categories, including details of their volunteer activities provided by the Town. Community and Social

Services

Adwoa Adu has been a global citizen committed to change and improving the quality of life for vulnerable people. She has travelled to Cambodia and Ghana to volunteer and sparked community development and capacity building within these communities. Back in Ontario, she has also taught disadvantaged people career management skills. Her simple presence and small acts have gone a long way to impact lives.

Elizabeth Birnie's involvement within palliative care in Caledon has been tremendous. Most notably, she has been instrumental in encouraging the birth of Bethell House, a 10-bed residential hospice facility to be built in Caledon by next spring. She has worked indefatigably on every aspect of Bethell House, sitting on the building, design and steering committees, as well as the Hospice Caledon Foundation.

Betty Brander has been involved with the Caledon Fair for five years. She has also been convener of the food booth for Canada Day, the ambassador committee and the liaison with the Peel Federation of Agriculture. She is also an active 4-H leader.

Cory Coletta originally joined the Caledon Public Library to complete his mandatory 40 hours of volunteer service for school, but he continues to make himself available for other projects. This genuine sense of commitment to his community speaks highly of his sterling qualities.

Nell Crathern has been involved with the organizing and running of inglewood Day for 10 years, as well as with the Inglewood Winterfest and Christmas Tree lighting for three years. She was a major organizer of the Inglewood Stock event to raise funds for Bethell House.

Paul Deen has been a director of the Peel - Dufferin Plowman's Association for 10 years, and has been vice-president for two years. He is a very dedicated volunteer and always there when needed.

Bruce Deathe is dedicate to the field of agriculture and its awareness. He has been a director of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for at least 10 years, the Albion - Bolton Agricultural Society and the Peel - Dufferin Plowman's Association for seven years, where he has also held the position of president for four years.

Sue Deathe is very well known in the community, having volunteered for many years in many different areas. She has been a 4-H leader for nine years, as well as helping with the Rainbows program at Macville Public School. She has been a member of the Albion - Bolton Agricultural society since the 1980s, and she is always there with a helping hand, ready to assist who ever is in need.

Fruit First Volunteers consists of Selina Barber, Enzo Caferelli, Robin Dawson, Donna DeLuca, Sue Foster, Paula Harding, Wendy Homer (LaBrier) Lianne Huff, Julie Hymers, Dawn Jones, Sheryl Lowe, Nadine McCrea, Nancy Middleton, Karen Morgenroth, Cindy Noble, Lola Palmer-Virgo, Adriana Romero, Julie Rowsell, Lynn Rowland, Marie Vanderdoelen and Wendy Williams. In order to promote healthy eating habits, this group of parents organizes a Fruit First day every week at their school, when students are encouraged to take part in the activity. There are more than 400 students in the program.

Dominic Iaboni is a smiling presence at Caledon Community Services and assists in more ways than can be mentioned. He helps sort and pack food in the food bank, as well as being the office handyman. He helps with anything and everything asked of him.

Olga Jugowiec is a volunteer cook with the Caledon Seniors' Council Drop-in Centre at St. James' Anglican Church in Caledon East. This big-hearted lady, with a cheery smile, goes about helping seniors the best way she knows how, reaching them with good food and a happy greeting. She volunteers her services and skills by preparing soups, salads, etc., using home-grown fruits and vegetables. Her positive outlook is contagious and readily passed on to those around her.

Barbara Kent has been volunteering with Girl Guides for seven years in Caledon East. She is a dedicated volunteer, always willing to assist, whether planning meetings, supervising the unit's weekly meetings, helping with outings or attending camps with the girls.

Anna Mazzola has been a volunteer visitor with Caledon Meals on Wheels for the last 10 years. She regularly goes above and beyond her volunteer duties and has helped these seniors through personal crisises, providing true friendship. She is Italian and has been a huge help to the staff as a translator.

June Pugh is a volunteer treasurer with the Caledon Seniors' Council Drop-in centre. She readily avails herself to helping out wherever she can. Her attention to detail and her energy level makes her an integral part of the organization.

Fred Reaney is a dedicated volunteer with Caledon Meals on Wheels. He not only delivers hot meals to the more rural areas of Caledon, he also sits on the board of directors and has served as president in the past. He is always available to help, and has provided invaluable support for both staff and clients.

Mary Reaney is the true definition of being a volunteer, assisting with Caledon Meals on Wheels in most of the programs, as well as being on the board of directors, where she headed up the volunteer committee. She and her husband are leaving the and she's going to be missed.

Sheila Robertson has been volunteering with the Caledon Public Library for many years. She has held the position of president of Friends of the Caledon Public Library for two terms. Her dedication and commitment to this organization has been outstanding, and has been instrumental in its continued success.

Davis Salem has been very involved in the community during most of his time in Cheltenham. He was one of the founding members of the Cheltenham Area Residents' Association, and is always available to help with village events. He's been referred to as "Mr. Cheltenham."

Nicola Sodenkamp has been volunteering with the 892 Snowy Owl Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, based at Brampton Flying Club, since 2000. She has formed the backbone of a volunteer committee with limited resources and ensured that the cadets never were in need of committee support.

Council Committee

Isabelle Bottoms (Heritage Caledon) worked in conjunction with the Albion - Bolton Historical Society. Her experience as a fall fair judge came in very handy with the Heritage Day baking contests.

Joan Boyington (Heritage Caledon) was the liaison with the Caledon East Historical Society, and offered great creative input for Heritage Days and bus tours.

Graham Bryan (Caledon Environmental Committee).

Rose Connolly (Heritage Caledon) offered her artistic and handyman skills to restoring salvaged architectural items for silent auction, and creating props for Heritage Day.

Carol Good (Caledon Environmental Advisory Committee).

Doug MacLeod (Heritage Caledon) offered a wonderful collection of power tools and carpentry expertise, which has been a great help in many architectural salvage projects.

Andy Priede (Heritage Caledon) was involved with the committee from 2005 to 2007 and subsequently chaired it in 2006-'07. During this time, he steered the committee through its special 30th anniversary celebrations.

Steve Saric (Caledon Environmental Advisory Committee).

Ted Titterton (Heritage Caledon) served as committee liaison with the Belfountain Heritage Society and was involved with the committee from 1995 to 2007.

Raymond Wand (Heritage Caledon) was an excellent help with many salvaging and restoration projects that took place.

Sports and Recreation

Brenda Bebbington has been an invaluable volunteer to the Bolton Skating Club, working incredibly hard with few volunteers to expand the club and keep it viable, as well as being an amazing mentor and teacher to young skaters.

Trudy Burnside coordinates the power skating program for Bolton Skating Club, and the coaches believe its huge success is due to her efforts in constantly promoting the program in the community. She is described as an amazing public relations representative for the program.

During the fall of 2004, Mike and Down Dogid, assisted by scores of volunteers, started the Caledon Cougars Basketball Association. The sport has seen a great rise in interest in Caledon ever since, with more than 500 participants in house league and rep programs, all running well with dedicated coaches.

The James L. Gray Youth Tennis Foundation was founded by Wendy Gray following the death of her husband. the object is to introduce the fundamentals of tennis and sportsmanship to the youth of Caledon, and it has been aided with the help of Phil Staite, Beth Staite and Michael Logue. The program started in six caledon schools, and has since expanded to 12.

Jack Judge coached rep hockey at the bantam, midget and juvenile ages, starting in 1974. in the 1981-'82 season, he coached the juvenile reps, and it was the first Caledon team to win the Ontario Minor Hockey Association All Ontario title.

Tracy Reid has volunteered with the Bolton Braves Baseball Association, putting in countless hours throughout the summer. Most recently, she has been umpire in chief, which means scheduling umps for diamonds every night and supervision to monitor games.

Ron Sinclair has volunteered thousands of hours to the tennis community in Caledon East. He has been captain of the Freedom 55 team for 10 years. He was the driving force behind the construction of a deck, picnic tables and benches at the courts, and personally engraved all the members' names on the benches. His pleasant personality welcomes all new members and he has organized many social events.

Vicki Stafford is currently president of Bolton Skating Club, and has earned the respect of the coaching staff for her ongoing contributions to the club to constantly improve the quality of the programs. Coaches reflect that she steps back, lets everyone perform their jobs and maintains communication.

Sports and Recreation

Achievement

Erika Pugsley's passion since she was six has been figure skating. She became the first skater in the 43-year history of Bolton Skating Club to achieve quadruple gold status. She is currently Bolton's only competitive stream skater, competing at the novice ladies' level. She skates five days per week and trains at the Wellness centre three days per week.

Jennifer Yakimishyn started skating at seven and has been a member of the Bolton club ever since. She was the seconds skater to achieve quadruple gold status in all four disciplines of the Skate Canada test stream. She skates five days per week and shares her love and knowledge of the sport by teaching younger skaters three days per week.

Distinguished Citizens

Pearl Auer has been a special friend to many residents of the Davis Centre, providing many hours of volunteer service, including out trips, birthday parties, visiting and just making a difference in all she does. She is also president of the Helping Hands volunteers, and continues to provide service to the Davis Centre and the community through fund-raising events.

Jake Haines has served with the Caledon Optimists for 15 years, having held the positions of president and director. He ran the bicycle rodeo for five years, having 60 to 80 children go through the event annually. He has also assisted the club with many events, including the Caledon Haunted Hall, Respect for Law, pumpkin carving and Easter sunrise services.

Betty Johnston is currently president of both the Plowmen's Association and the Caledon East and District Historical Society. She has been a faithful canvasser for the Cancer Society for 15 years, as well as being instrumental in organizing the Macville School Craft Show.

Frances Johnston has been an active volunteer with the Albion - Bolton Agricultural Society and Peel 4-H for more than 30 years. She is always there helping in any way she can. She's also been on numerous executive committees of agriculture groups in Peel.

James Johnston has been an active volunteer with with the Albion - Bolton Agricultural Society and Peel 4-H for more than 30 years. He was president from 1988 to '89 and has been chairman of the Bolton Dairy and 4-H. He has also been on the executives of numerous committees and agricultural groups in Peel.

Paul Johnston has been a dedicated volunteer on the Plowmen's Association for 15 years. He has also been a director with Heritage Caledon for three years and been a director on Providence Cemetery Board for 18 years. His volunteerism is helping to preserve Caledon's heritage.

Bonnie Masina has served on the Caledon Soccer Executive board for 10 years, and has dabbled in almost every piece of the club, dedicating countless hours to the youth of the community.

George Masina's contribution to the Caledon Soccer club has been remarkable. He has volunteered countless hours of his time for practices, games and field maintenance.

Patricia Shields is dedicated to the students and staff of Herb Campbell Public School. She is always willing to lend a hand and take on whatever responsibilities are necessary to ensure the students receive the best possible experiences. This has included various leadership roles for community and fund-raising initiatives. She also constantly boosts the morale of both students and staff with her ever upbeat manner.

David Snell's volunteer involvements have showcased traditional and current agricultural method at both the Peel - Dufferin Plowmen's Association (of which he's been president for two years, while being a director for 14) and Bolton Fall Fair. He has also been president and director of the Albion - Bolton Agricultural Society for more than 20 years.

Carol Williams has been a 4-H leader for life skills clubs for many years, having shown how to sew, cook, garden, fish and preserve nature, to name a few activities. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does, and has become like a mother to many.

Bruce Wilson is a longstanding member of the Albion - Bolton Agricultural Society for more than 30 years. He is always there for the Bolton Tractor pull and the Bolton Fall Fair set-up. His passion is antique tractors and he has been instrumental in arranging shows of them at the fair. He is very dedicated and reliable, and always has a solution to any problem.

Dr. George Wood routinely assists with education and training of veterinary students by participating in the Ontario Veterinary College externship program. He has spent six years as director of the Halton/Peel Holstein Club and 20years as a 4-H leader, while also holding positions such as director of the 4-H Leaders' Association, Leader of the Peel Veterinary Club and Leader of the Brampton Dairy Calf Club.