Huron-Bruce MPP presents awards to 13 remarkable citizens

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was thrilled to present outstanding citizen awards to 13 remarkable recipients at the New Year's Levee held Wednesday night at the Teeswater Town Hall.

A capacity crowd filled the auditorium as people from Kincardine to Walkerton and Ripley to Bayfield, and throughout Huron and Bruce counties, were honoured for their contributions to their communities.
 

DONALD FARRELL

A retired farmer in Huron-Kinloss, north of Ripley, Farrell has made, and continues to make, a substantial contribution to his community, said Thompson, referring to his nomination. He and his wife, Cathy, raised three children in the area's 4-H clubs and have volunteered for more than 20 years with the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN).

Farrell has volunteered many hours and contributed a lot of livestock experience to help the local 4-H members distinguish themselves within the region.

The Farrells were the first landowners in the area to install a berm on their field. This leadership showed other area landowners that conserving their topsoil, as well as keeping the phosphates and nitrates away from the streams and tributaries, helps us all reach our goal of "Clean water and a healthy ecosystem within the Pine River watershed."

"It's a great honour and privilege to be part of this group of outstanding citizens," said Farrell. "You work day-to-day to make things better in the community. And going to the PRWIN office is a good excuse to get out of the house. I keep telling Lisa (Thompson) and Ben (Lobb, Huron-Bruce MP) that if they send us money, we'll spend it planting trees in the ground."
 

CATHY PENNINGTON

A very well-respected community support supervisor at Community Living of Kincardine and District, Pennington of Kincardine ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to safe and comfortable homes in the community.
 

She is a tireless advocate for those with disabilities, working alongside families and staff to ensure that individuals are able to receive the support and services they deserve. She is also a board member with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kincardine and District, and has taken leadership roles with various fund-raisers and events.

Pennington participates in many local charity runs and was a member of the ‘Inspiring Possibilities” relay team of disabled and non-disabled athletes at the 2015 Kincardine Women’s Triathlon, partnering with Amy Robinson to complete the three-kilometre run.

A single mother of two children with complex needs, she works hard to create a supportive environment where her oldest son can thrive and succeed. Meanwhile, her youngest son was diagnosed with kidney disease this past year. Between long trips to specialists in London and various hospital visits, Pennington connected with the Kidney Foundation of Canada to bring the first Kidney Walk to Grey-Bruce. Her son's team raised $6,000 to support kidney research and programs.

"I have lots of great support," said Pennington. "There are so many people out there who help us achieve what we want to do."
 

JAMES RICE

A student in the criminal justice and public policy program at the University of Guelph, Rice of Tiverton has become highly involved in his community. He is passionate about children's welfare and is a highly-active board member of the Bruce Grey Child and Family Service. Because of his young age and experience growing up in the foster system, many youth in care respect and respond to his mentoring.
 

He focuses on supporting young adults pursuing secondary education and has spoken many times about his transition to university. He is truly an inspirational speaker and is always willing to help vulnerable young adults on a more personal level as well. 
 

Rice is also passionate about politics,and his ultimate goal is to become the prime minister of Canada.

As a former Crown ward through the children's aid system, Rice knows how important child welfare programs are. "Less than 50 per cent of ward kids finish high school," he said. "It takes a village to raise a child, and this community is doing a great job."
 

DR. CHANDRA TRIPATHI

A recipient of numerous awards for his community involvement, Tripathi of Kincardine is the chairman and founding member of the Kincardine Multicultural Celebration which attracts more than 1,500 people from various cultures and countries every year.

He is chairman of the Kincardine District Secondary School School Community Council, and chairman of the Home and School Associations at Huron Heights and Elgin Market public schools. He is also a member of the Kincardine arts, culture and heritage committee, chairman of the Kincardine environmental action committee, and started the annual inclusiveness and diversity awards at KDSS and Huron Heights.

In addition, Tripathi leads weekly spiritual discussions on love, peace and service, from the Hindu Philosophy and Scriptures.

"Thank you for this great honour," he said. "I am pleased that you have found my contributions to the community to be worthy of receiving this award."

He thanked his wife and family for their patience, and to his parents in India for instilling the importance of volunteering in the community. "Everyone should take the opportunity to serve the community and make a difference."
 

JEFF ROBERTS

For the past seven years, Roberts of Walkerton has been fighting to get proper playing fields for the growing soccer club in Walkerton. Finally, his years of perseverance have paid off and a soccer complex is being built this fall.
 

This was a real battle, and regardless of whether you agree the soccer fields should be built or not, you have to admire his dedication. Despite incredible hurdles, he stuck with it in order to grow a game he and many others in the community love. The community needs more people with this sort of determination.

Roberts accepted the award on behalf of the 700 members of the soccer club who are looking forward to playing on improved fields. "We need to invest in our youth because they are our future." He also thanked his friends and family for their support.
 

BOB KELLINGTON

Kellington works in the Village of Brussels and beyond doing gardening and handyman jobs which allows a number of seniors to live comfortably in their own homes. He volunteers with events sponsored by the United Church and the Lions Club. He is always there to lend a hand and assists at the Farmer’s Market - setting up and taking down the tent, staffing the hospitality area or cooking for the barbecue.

He is especially keen to raise funds for Canadian Food Grains. Co-hosting a dinner in 2014 raised $500, but growing a beard and getting pledges in 2015 netted more than $1,400.00, which is matched 4:1 by the government for a total of $9,500.00. Brussels residents say they are lucky to have such an outstanding and caring person living there.

"People helping people, that's my philosophy," said Kellington.
 

VICKY CULBERT

Culbert of Goderich, has many accomplishments in the community, including 25 years as a Girl Guide member and national trainer; helping develop and implement THE Bus, a mobile resource library operated by Rural Response for Healthy Children; producing and stage managing at Goderich Little Theatre; eight years on the Goderich Celtic Festival Board and crew chief; vice-chairperson at the Goderich McKay Centre for Seniors; and volunteer with the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors.
 

While busy with all these activities, she designed and installed a quasi-public garden, Horta Monumenta, at her residence, a classic garden, featuring historical surveying monuments up to about 150 years old. The garden was part of the Communities in Bloom competition, which resulted in an International Gold Award for Goderich. The garden is also in the Undiscovered Gardens of Huron-Perth tour.

Culbert thanked her husband for his support and patience, allowing her to do all the volunteering she does. She also thanked the community, and said this area is the best part of Canada in which to live.
 

JEAN CULLITON

A director of the Teeswater Agricultural Society, Culliton of Teeswater is active on the Teeswater nativity scene committee, secretary of the Sacred Heart Parish Pastoral Council, the church choir leader, Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) workshop facilitator, served on the Catholic Women’s League Convenership, and is a volunteer driver helping seniors get to their appointments.

She and her husband, John, raised two daughters and operate a successful auto mechanic garage.

"Thank you for making me feel special," said Culliton. "As a volunteer, you get more out of it than the people that you help. It's very rewarding work."
 

HEATHER FROOK

Year after year, Frook continues to promote the outstanding agricultural community in Huron-Bruce. Her tireless dedication, advocating for agriculture is why she is most-deserving of this award. 

Her work with the Grey-Bruce Agricultural and Culinary Association, followed by her dedication to Bruce County Federation of Agriculture initiatives, such as the Real Food Real Farm Real Experience, make her a worthy candidate.

"Local food is my passion," said Frook. "We need to inspire young people to get involved, and teach them about local food production, and the agricultural community. Thanks to my husband and family for all their support."
 

ROGER LEWINGTON

The Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce has been revitalized under Lewington's leadership. The Bayfield Breeze Internet newspaper and events such as ‘Christmas in Bayfield’ are products of his community vision. He has also been a leader in the development of a Bayfield Main Street redevelopment plan and an important contributor to the Municipality of Bluewater’s Strategic Planning exercise.
 

Founder and president of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association which has built 14 kilometres of nature trails, he is a certified ‘Hike Ontario’, Hike Leader Trainer. The association’s tree committee has planted more than 350 trees in and around Bayfield, and hosts a Terry Fox Run and other fund-raisers, and is a supporter of Bayfield’s Blue Community initiative.
 

Lewington is chairman of the Huron Tract Land Trust, a member of the board of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Foundation, member of the executive of Bayfield’s ‘Home for Good’ seniors support group and past-president of the Bayfield Town Hall and the Bayfield International Croquet Club. He and his wife, Pat, have created a community exercise program through One Care.

"Thank you for this award, but I want to accept it on behalf of all the volunteers in Bayfield," he said, "and thanks to my wife for her support."
 

GENEVA “JENNIE” ROWE

Owner/operator of the South Bruce District High School cafeteria for more than 40 years, Geneva “Jennie” Rowe of Exeter also owns and operators the Canners, Huron Park and Exeter arena booths, and caters many local events. She retired from the cafeteria work in June, 2009.
 

Students and staff at the high school remember Rowe well for her fresh, hot chocolate chip cookies, muffins, healthy hot home-cooked meals, lasagna, meat loaf, etc.
 

Even though she has retired, her calendar is always full, and she is always on the go. She doesn't cater to big events now, but still does it when she feels like helping. She loves to garden and is willing to help anyone in need at any time. Often, she has friends and family popping into her home or calling on the phone. She loves visiting with people which is the only reason she's late for other appointments. Some of you may see the license plate "C RO GO" in the Exeter area and when you see it, it’s only a blur because she’s late or wants to talk!

"This is such a great honour," said Rowe. "Thanks to my family and everybody for being here tonight."

CLARENCE KIEFFER JR.

For more than 35 years, "Butch" Kieffer of Walkerton, a local factory employee (Larsen and Shaw) and amateur historian has been amassing a personal archive of materials related to Walkerton’s, Bruce County’s and Canada’s military contributions, from the Riel Rebellion right up to the Afghanistan conflict. 
 

The week before Remembrance Day, the Walkerton Legion Hall is taken over by Butch and his many dedicated volunteers to display thousands of these items. For each of the past 15 years, his ‘Honour A Hero’ collection has given hundreds of students, teachers and citizens of all ages a greater appreciation for the true meaning of Remembrance Day, and a greater understanding of the sacrifices of local veterans.

"It is a great honour to receive this award on behalf of all the members and veterans of Branch 102, Walkerton," said Kieffer. "We have a lot of volunteers who come out and help with the exhibit every year. It's a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun. It's important to tell the veterans' stories and keep Remembrance Day alive."

DIANE LIEBER

As a youth, Lieber was involved in Brownies and Girl Guides, attaining the highest award in Guiding, “The Canada Cord.” She was a 4–H member and, as an adult, a 4-H Life Skills leader for many years.
 

A Junior Farmer member, she was chosen to go to Michigan Recreation Camp where she met her husband, Randy. They purchased a farm near Mildmay, and have two children and a beautiful new granddaughter. When her children became involved in activities, Lieber also took on many volunteer roles, including a Boy Scout leader, and supportive dance mom.
 

She has been an active member of the Teeswater and Mildmay Sacred Heart Churches, Catholic Women's League member, and Children’s liturgy. She is a member of the Teeswater Agricultural Society and organized a successful baby show at the Teeswater Fall Fair. She is a regular blood donor, member of the Teeswater Town Hall committee and the Saugeen Valley Foundation. She is a friend to all, young and old, and would help anyone with anything.
 

Although she has recently moved from to the Goderich area, Lieber will be looking for ways to be involved in her new community.

"We are blessed to live in this great community of Huron-Bruce," said Lieber. "Volunteering is such fun, and I'm fortunate to have such a great supportive husband."

Thompson thanked everyone for attending the evening, and congratulated the remarkable citizens who won the awards. "These men and women have inspired so many through their caring. Through their generous efforts, they have continued to keep our community spirit alive."