Posthumous recognition was extended to Sara Devins for her contributions to the Seniors’ Advisory Committee. Judy Nelson accepted the award on behalf of her mother from Mayor Marolyn Morrison. The spirit of volunteerism has always been very strong in Caledon, and people around the town know it.

They showed it again recently in the annual Volunteer and Citizen Achievement Awards ceremony.

“We are here to celebrate your dedication and commitment to the Caledon community,” Master of Ceremonies Rick Sargent told the volunteers and representatives of the various service groups that were being recognized.

Mayor Marolyn Morrison called the volunteers a vital part of the community’s social fabric.

“You have made it possible for people to do things they may have thought impossible,” she told them.

“Caledon’s volunteers truly shape the character of this community,” she added. “It is said that volunteers do what they do because they recognize the importance of giving back. Tonight, we thank you for the many smiles you have brought to countless faces in Caledon.”

James Galloway was recognized for the nine years he spent establishing a board of directors for Abbeyfield House. He received congratulations from Councillor Gord McClure. The awards were given in various categories.

In the Community and Social Services category, recognition was paid to Alexandra Amato for her work with the Caledon Public Library; John Beaulieu for his contribution as a leader in Scouting; Dennis Cooper for his service to Hospice Caledon; James Galloway for his efforts in establishing a dedicated Board of Directors for Abbeyfield House; Janice Greaves for years of service to Scouts Canada and being a leader with the Girl Guides of Canada; Mary Hatch for her work with Hospice Caledon; Roger Learn for his contribution as a volunteer driver with Caledon Community Services (CCS); Margie Mols for her service at the Caledon Animal Shelter; Jeanette Pilson for her efforts with CCS’s Chez Thrift store; Mary Podrebarac for her volunteer work with Peace Ranch; Richard Villmann for his services to the 1st Albion Scout group; Melanie Williams for her help with the Life Skills Clubs at the Peel 4-H Association; Danette Woodworth, who has also made contributions to Life Skills Clubs at the Peel 4-H; Aysha Hummel for contributions to the CCS Reuse Store; Graham Johnston for his efforts with the Peel 4-H Association; and Stan Shabason for his services to the CCS board of directors.

In the category for Sports and Recreation, those recognized included Jennifer Mac- Gregor for her work with the Caledon Centennial Skating Club; Bente Rowland, who was also cited for her contributions to the Caledon Centennial Skating Club; Jane Tasson for the variety of leadership roles she has held with the Bolton Skating Club; and Wendy Walker for her service as part of the executive at the Bolton Skating Club.

There was also recognition for people who have served on various committees of Town council. They included Margaret Ramlall — Accessibility Advisory Committee; Ken Fockler, Ken Weber and Preet Kang — Caledon Library Board; Garth Schmalenberg — Economic Development Advisory Committee; John Abbot, Hart Brasche, Christina Burns- Bruce, Gordon Cameron, Deanna Hergert, Sankaren Krishnaraj, Tonya Lagrasta, David Lyons, Chris Svirklys and Bill Wilson — Environmental Advisory Committee; Edgar Cook, Michael Corrigan and David Robertson — Heritage Caledon; Jim Becksted — Property Standards Committee; and Marjorie Slack and Sara Devins (awarded posthumously) — Seniors’ Advisory Committee.

The people receiving recognition as Distinguished Citizens included Anne Allengame and Pam McKinnon as co-founders of the Caledon East and District Historical Society; Louise Byle for her work with the Caledon East Tennis Club; Councillor Nick de Boer for his dedication the Peel 4-H Association; Allan Williams: a volunteer archivist, as well as with Peel 4-H Association and the Albion — Bolton Agricultural Society; Judy Bell for her dedication to Peel 4-H; Sandra Cation for her work with Peel 4-H; David Currie for his years of service to Peel 4- H; Dan Kolb, who has also devoted years to Peel 4-H; Pat and Fred Kolb for their work with the Albion — Bolton Agricultural Society; Dave Lostchuk for his contributions to the CCS Board of Directors; Wayne Noble for his work in establishing and maintaining public trails; Robert Panting for his years dedicated to Scouts Canada; Jane Pizale for her services with Caledon Meals on Wheels; and Gary Wiles for his contributions to Caledon — Dufferin Victim Services.