Mayor, MLA, MP present medals to three dedicated residents in front of packed chambers of friends and family
More than 50 people squeezed into Nackawic-Millville council chambers on Monday, Jan 6, to support a trio of volunteers recognized for their commitment to their community, province, and country.
Mayor Tim Fox and the council dedicated the entire agenda to the presentation of King Charles Coronation Medals to John Maunder, Judy Ingraham and Sharon Connors.
Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon and Carleton-York MLA Richard Ames helped Mayor Fox present the medals.
Bragdon called the presentation a special moment.
“The highlight of being a Member of Parliament is being able to shine the spotlight on some key people who make a significant impact, not just here locally but throughout the region and sometimes across the province and Canada,” he said.
Bragdon described the three recipients as “very worthy” of the medal recognizing the coronation of King Charles, which is presented to outstanding citizens who made an impact on their communities.
He explained that in his search for worthy recipients, he contacted the community, including the local councils, which are most aware of certain people’s contributions.
Mayor Fox introduced the evening’s first recipient, John Maunder.
Fox thanked Bragdon for providing the council with a chance to participate in picking a recipient.
“We gave councilors homework and said come back and bring some names forward,” he explained.
During a closed meeting, he said, the council reached a consensus to give the award to Maunder.
“In the process of doing that, I learned a lot of things about John that I didn’t know,” Fox added.
He listed Maunder’s numerous community contributions, including his work as a minor hockey coach and executive and his many years as a member of the Mactaquac Country Chamber of Commerce, including one year as its Corporate Citizen of the Year.
He noted Maunder’s long-time support of Portage Atlantic, a drug addiction rehabilitation centre. Maunder currently sits on the non-profit’s national board of governors.
Fox explained that Maunder is best known as an entertainer who plays and sings regularly throughout the region.
He said Maunder supports Southampton Legion, the Nackawic Lions and dozens of other organizations.
“This is a gentleman that serves the community and wants to serve the community,” said Fox.
In accepting the medal, Maunder quoted the late, great Jack Benny’s accepting of a comedy award.
“I really don’t think I deserve this award, but then again I’ve got arthritis and I don’t think I deserve that either,” Maunder said.
He said communities like Nackawic-Millville benefit from the actions of volunteers.
“There is a saying that in the case of fire the deer and the lion run together, so in a community we may all have our differences sometimes, but we are an extended family and when something takes place that’s when you see everyone pull together.”
Bragdon presented the medal to Ingraham, explaining that many in the area know her from her many years at the Nackawic mill.
The MP cited her dedication to her Dumfries community and the entire region.
“Judy is the type of person where you don’t have to worry,” he said. “When she takes on a project, that project is going to get done and it’s going to get done with excellence.”
Bragdon described Ingraham’s volunteer efforts on behalf of St. Clement’s Anglican Church, including with the 4-H, livestock shows, the Mactaquac County Chamber, sports, and other community events.
Citing an old saying that you don’t remember people for what they said but for how they make you feel, Bragdon said, “Judy makes you feel good,”
Ingraham described receiving the medal as a surprise and an honour, noting her shock when Bragdon called to tell her.
“He floored me. It was good I was sitting down.”
In introducing Connor, Bragdon explained he grew up knowing the Hawkins Corner resident, her family, their farm, and their contributions to the community.
“There’s nothing in Hawkins Corner or Millville and now Nackawic-Millville that Sharon doesn’t have her finger on the pulse of what’s going on,” he said.
She served and volunteered for decades with Ladies Auxilliares, the Hawkins Corner Cemetery Committee, and the Millville and Nackawic Baptist Churches.
He said she remains active with Meals on Wheels, noting she delivers meals to people younger than her.
“She is so genuinely caring and concerned for those who are disadvantaged,” Bragdon said, noting she commonly brings things of which she feels the MP should be aware to his office’s attention.
Connor thanked Bragdon and the mayor and council for hosting the presentation.
“People who do things to better society don’t do it for the awards, but it is lovely to be recognized,” she said. “Thank you.”
Ames noted the packed council chambers and the positive atmosphere.
“It’s good to see friends, family and neighbours altogether,” he said.
