LANCASTER, Ontario – On April 6, 2019, South Glengarry area businesses and community leaders gathered to recognize the outstanding achievements of the award recipients at the coveted 13th Annual South Glengarry Community and Business Awards ceremony. For the last 13 years the program has been recognizing individuals and local business for their dedication, accomplishments and their value to the community.
Awards were presented in the following categories:
- 2018 Citizen of the Year Award
Mary Regan. Winner: Mary Regan
Mary served as president of the Williamstown Green Thumbs Horticultural Society from 2010 to 2014. She was instrumental in installing the bridge boxes and beautification of the Williamstown Fair’s bicentennial. Mary is a board member at the Nor’Westers Loyalist Museum and is co-president of the St. Mary’s Guild, fundraising for many charitable causes. Mary is an engaged citizen who serves others with joy, passion and empathy.
- 2018 Community Service Award
Martintown Mill Preservation Society. Winner: Martintown Mill Preservation Society
The Martintown Grist Mill is 143 years old and has recently been reinvented through fun, education and community, thanks to the dedication of the Martintown Mill Preservation Society. The group works hard to preserve the mill structure, making it the focal point of various community events year round. One example of this organization’s dedication to the community is the annual Halloween celebration at the Mill. Due to the dedication of many volunteers, the event draws approximately 500 attendees. The care of the Martintown Mill Preservation Society has turned the mill into a sustainable tourist attraction and community centre.
- 2018 Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Rozon Insurance
Rogers Marina. Winner: Roger’s Marina (Nancy & Yves Struthers)
Roger’s Marina has been owned and operated by the Struthers family since its inception. The current owners, Nancy and Yves Struthers, have developed a solid business plan to upgrade the amenities at the marina, turning it into a premier location for their customers. Under their ownership, there have been upgrades to the docks, with the marina now featuring 120 open boat slips and 30 boat houses. In the fall of 2018, Nancy and Yves constructed a new state of the art shop and sales facility. Roger’s Marina is a one stop shop for all boating needs, with Nancy and Yves committed to giving their customers a positive experience.
- 2018 Excellence in Agriculture Award
Heidi Farms. Winner: Heidi Farms (Oeggerli Family)
Heidi Farms Inc., operated by the Oeggerli family in Bainsville, was purchased in 1971 – since then the farm has expanded and improved year after year. CanWest DHI and Valacta recently recognized excellence in dairy herd management. Listed at the top of the Ontario list was Heidi
Farms. With over 300 commercial dairy cows and 700 acres of land, the Oeggerli family has their work cut out for them and have certainly put South Glengarry on the agricultural map!
- 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Sponsored by RC Holdings
About Thyme. Winner: Shelia Cecereau (About Thyme)
About Thyme was founded in 2013 as a passion project by Sheila Cecereu, who holds a certificate in Nutritional Counseling and a very strong culinary talent. After recognizing the need for healthy and convenient meals in the community, the company developed a mission to offer homemade, “nutrilicious” meals to those who are on the go. What started as a home delivery food business later evolved into a centralized storefront when Sheila partnered with Lancaster’s Épicerie Henderson’s Grocery in 2017. Since its inception, About Thyme has been committed to the betterment of the Township through health and nutrition.
- 2018 Youth Merit Award
Keean McDonell. Winner: Keean McDonell
Keean McDonell is a student at Char-Lan District High School who is described as an intelligent, conscientious, hardworking young man who is also involved with extra-curricular activities while maintain academic excellence. Keean volunteers at two local old age homes and over the last 2 years he has spent countless hours serving and cleaning up in the kitchen, helping organize activities and socializing with the seniors.
- Special Business Achievement Awards
Winner: Rob McIntosh, Fine China (40 Years)
Winner: South Branch Garage (40 Years)
Winner: Roger’s Marina (65 Years)
The Township of South Glengarry extends congratulations to all award recipients!
For more information, contact Joanne Haley, General Manager of Community Services 613-347-1166.
