Awards recognize 11 Carleton and Victoria Counties’ outstanding citizens at annual awards banquet in Perth-Andover
They don’t do it for the recognition, said Carleton Victoria Outstanding Citizen Awards (CVOCA) president Doris Dickson of the many volunteers who devote time and energy to their respective communities. But, she added, it’s important that communities recognize those volunteer efforts.
“Without volunteers, where would our communities be?” asked Dickson as she welcomed award recipients, their families, special guests and others to the annual CVOCA event on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Royal Canadian Legion hall in Perth-Andover.
The nine individuals and one couple receiving the 2024 CVOCA from several communities in Carleton and Victoria counties helped improve neighbours’ lives through their actions.
Recipients included Tammy McIntosh, Helen Green, Kathleen (Kathy) Simonson, David Hunter, Sheila Palmer, Marianne Bello, Tammy Crain, Dwight and Linda Butterfield, James “Jamie” Ward and Nancy Pelletier.
CVOCA secretary Alanda Banks-McLeod served as the afternoon’s emcee,
“The recipients today are a sample of those that have made a tremendous impact in our communities through their selfless service,” she said. “This afternoon we’ll be hearing stories that remind us of the incredible power of kindness and generosity.”
Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson helped present the awards to the recipients.
“We have a brilliant cast of recipients today,” said Johnson. “I congratulate you.”
Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey welcomed the recipients, naming them individually and their families.
Harvey paraphrased Winston Churchill, saying, “you make your living on what you get. You make your life on what you give.”
“Everyone in this room has given,” he added.
Harvey also shared a John F. Kennedy quote, “it’s better to light the candle, than to curse the dark.”
Tobique Valley Mayor Tom Eagles stressed the value of volunteers, noting communities could not afford to pay for the amount of work they provide.
Southern Victoria Mayor Cindy McLaughlin, hosting the event in her community, cited the CVOCA recipients’ dedication to their communities.
“It takes a special person to volunteer their time for the benefit of others,” she said.
Aaron Nicholas also represented Negotkuk (Tobique First Nation) at the awards event.
Tammy McIntosh
Randi Haywood nominated Tammy McIntosh, citing her many volunteer hours and leadership on numerous fronts to improve the lives of Glassville residents and visitors.
Haywood said McIntosh, as president of the Glassvile Community Centre, oversaw the facility’s incredible interior and exterior upgrades, which hosts scores of community events championed by McIntosh.
Haywood cited McIntosh’s efforts to support the Glassville United Church Cemetery, the Glassville Fire Department, sporting events and activities for children and families, including the work of McIntosh and her husband Ross to maintain the community centre grounds, ball diamond and outdoor rink.
“She is one of those people who isn’t happy unless she is busy doing something,” said Haywood.
Helen Green
With help from her son Kalen McLeod, Banks-McLeod nominated Helen Green for the CVOCA, centred primarily on Green’s dedication as a 4-H leader.
Kalen read the nomination of his leader in the River Valley 4-H sheep project. He praised Green’s dedication to his and the other 21 project members, noting the many volunteer hours she commits to teaching them about sheep.
Banks-McLeod detailed Green’s commitment to the 4-H program on numerous levels in her nomination write-up.
“She says it’s her ‘breath of fresh air’ from her everyday job, but to me she is a saint, dealing with children and young sheep,” wrote Banks-McLeod.
Kathleen “Kathy” Simonson
Lisa Wolverton nominated Kathleen Simonson, providing a list of close to two dozen groups, organizations, jobs and projects designed to improve lives in the Centreville area to which Simonson dedicated time.
Wolverton said she personally contacted Simonson several times for advice, support and direction.
“She is an exemplary pillar in our community, a treasure that defines our new united District of Carleton North and inspires the next generation coming behind her,” said Woverton.
David Hunter
Chip Hunter nominated his second cousin David Hunter, citing his multi-year effort culminating with the total solar eclipse in clear skies over western New Brunswick in April.
“I believe David merits the Carleton Victoria Outstanding Citizen Award for his tireless efforts to make the viewing of the Solar Eclipse a spectacular event for the citizens of New Brunswick and astronomy buffs worldwide,” Chip explained.
Chip’s nomination detailed how David, a retired medical physicist who returned to his Florenceville-Bristol home, spent years leading a group of experts, building a solar telescope and high-altitude balloon to watch the April 8, 2024, total eclipse.
David’s forethought and effort made Carleton North and much of western New Brunswick a highlight location along the total eclipse path.
Sheila Palmer
Judy McIsaac nominated Sheila Palmer, a long-time friend and co-worker in their church ministries.
“Sheila is a very kind, compassionate, humble person who works tirelessly for her family, her church, and her community,” said McIsaac.
Among Palmer’s many accomplishments, McIsaac detailed her leadership on the “We’ve Got Your Back River Valley Program, which sends home bags of food with students whose families face food-security issues. She spent a decade as the group’s chair and played a central role in keeping it active.
“She is an amazing individual with a big heart for helping others,” said McIsaac.
Marianne Bell
Doris Dickson read Nadya Nicholaev’s nomination of former Perth-Andover Mayor Marianne Bell, noting Nicholaev was a former student of Bell.
“Marianne’s influence on my education was profound and her contributions to our community are equally significant,” said Nicholaev in her nomination.
The nomination outlined Bell’s multi-faceted approach to positively shaping her Southern Victoria community, from that as mayor, director at UMNB, president of the Rotary Club, church leader, music director, Bible school leader, vocational board and founder of a book club at the local library.
Bell’s career in education included both childhood and adult learning.
“Her impact on student’s lives, both young and adult, is immeasurable, as she instills in them the skills and confidence needed to succeed,” Nicholaev wrote.
Tammy Crain
Carleton North Councillor Scott Oakes read Cynthia Keating’s nomination of Tammy Crain, noting he, too, witnessed Crain’s “quiet, steady leadership.”
Keating’s nomination cited Crain’s dedication to the Upper Kent Recreational Centre and commitment to the health and welfare of the broader community.
In addition to numerous volunteer hours at the centre, Keating said Crain also takes community members on weekly grocery trips, doctor appointments, and blood work appointments and helps to fill prescriptions when needed.
Crain is also active in the Beechwood Church, the Riverbed Balloon Festival, the Step Ahead Daycare, and the Beechwood Community Park.
“She does it all very quietly, with ease, and expects nothing in return for her good deeds,” wrote Keating.
Dwight (Duke) and Linda Butterfield
Candace Butterfield read Peggy MacDonald’s nomination of Dwight (Duke) and Linda Butterfield for their efforts as founding members of the Carleton County Toy Run.
The Toy Run, which combined local motorcycle enthusiasts’ love of the open road with a desire to help Upper Valley children, began in 1990 on the Buttervield’s front lawn.
“They are the last remaining members of the original group who wanted to make the lives of hospitalized children a little brighter, with a stuffed animal or two,” wrote MacDonald.
She explained that the run has raised approximately $275,000 over the years, attracting more than 200 riders each year across North America.
“During this time, Duke and Linda have been mainstays of the event,” wrote MacDonald.
Jamie Ward
Rene Ward read Brenda Paget’s nomination of James “Jamie” Ward, describing him as “an all-around great guy.”
Paget described Ward as a hardworking and dedicated member of the Riley Brook Recreation Council. She explained that Ward spends much of the weekend helping others after a full work week.
“If someone needs a hand or needs something because they are broken down or have a flat tire, he will be the first to help out,” Paget wrote.
Nancy Peletier
Brenda Christensen nominated Nancy Peletier, describing her as a “great motivator and inspiration to all the members” of the New Beginnings weight-loss group.
“At age 72, she challenges all members to ride a bike, go swimming, hike to see the falls and even volunteers to pick you up if transportation isn’t available,” Christensen said.
She also cited Pelletier’s many volunteer hours at Harvest House Tobique, the Plaster Rock food bank, and Sisson Ridge United Baptist Church.
Christensen said Pelletier drives community members to doctor appointments as far away as Fredericton or Edmundston and takes them to pick up their groceries or prescriptions.
“She enjoys helping people,” said Christensen. “It’s in her blood.”
