Mayor’s awards and Community in Bloom awards presented
The 2024 Woodstock Citizens’ Recognition Awards were presented on Sunday, March 23, in the AYR Motor Centre Community Room after the original event was snowed out on Family Day in February.
Mayor Trina Jones and town councillors honoured many recipients for their contributions to the town.
John McLellan
For his contributions to Scouts Canada, Woodstock TrailMakers, the NB Snowmobile Club, Skiff Lake Cottage Owners Association, St. James United Church board, Crime Stoppers, Old Home Week Commission, Anavets, Elks Club, Woodstock Golf and Curling Club, and the Carleton Manor Board.
Randy Patterson
For his work with the Northampton Rec Centre board, his work with EMO, Old Home week Committee, Woodstock TrailMakers, Newburg Cemetery, and the Maritime Snowmobile Championship racing.
Tanika Chambers
For her work as a newcomer who has impacted the community with her GHAMP organization and youth program, EXHALE. She also coordinated a Legacy Art Exhibit for Black History Month.
Marie Innes
For her work as Executive Director of Hayward House, and its important work in the community. She continues the work that began with her late sister, Lori Young. In accepting the honour, Marie dedicated her award to her sister.
Dr. Gurpreet Singh-Ranger
The URVH surgeon was honoured for his significant contributions to the healthcare of the community. He served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff and established the first-ever research program at the hospital.
Other awards
The Business or Non-Profit Award was presented to the Valley Family Resource Centre for over 30 years of service to parents, babies, and children in the community. It was noted that the centre has not had an increase in federal funding since it opened three decades ago, depending on the generosity of the community and fundraising to sustain programs.
The Conservation Award was presented to Holly Melanson for her work as the Outreach and Marketing Coordinator for the Meduxnekeag River Association. Melanson has dedicated a lot of her time and effort to educating our youth on conservation and the preserve, guiding over 2,500 students through the trail system.
Communities in Bloom
The Nominate Your Neighbour program recognized a number of individuals who help keep Woodstock beautiful. First place for the Flowers and Garden category was Ann Campbell in downtown Woodstock, with an honourable mention going to Barbara Palmer-Foster. The Overall Appearance award went to Jamie Gray in Jacksonville and was accepted by his wife, Sherry Gray. Honourable mention in that category went to Nigel and Carolyn Drake in Lower Woodstock. The Art and Decor award went to Kerry O’Toole, with an honourable mention going to the Van Dijk family. National judges chose St. Luke’s Anglican Church for the Judges’ Choice award. A plaque that can be displayed in the church garden was presented by the Mayor.
WFD Chief Harold McLellan recognized
Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan was honoured with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal – Third Bar Recipient, in recognition of 50 years of loyal service to the safety of the public. The award, given by the town but bestowed by the Governor General of Canada, had not yet been received, but a formal presentation will be held once the service medal arrives.
Chief McLellan received a standing ovation when he was recognized.
