Mayor’s Awards take place at Leamington council

The annual Mayor’s Recognition Awards were handed out in Leamington Council Chambers on Tuesday, June 25 with council, family and friends in attendance to honour the recipients.

The Distinguished Volunteer Service Award went to long-time minor soccer leader Bob Rumble. The retired schoolteacher has been involved in minor soccer, baseball and hockey as both a board member and a coach and continues to help young athletes to this day.

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church was awarded with the Community Inspiration Award by Mayor Hilda MacDonald. The church has proven to be a beacon of hope for the homeless and those less fortunate in the community over the years and in 2023, managed to produce over 9,600 meals for the community, most of which were served at their weekly Wednesday night community meal events. Their clothing cupboard is also very popular among those who need a helping hand.

The Mayor’s Special Award for Innovation went to long-time community volunteer John Moran, who has spearheaded the OnThe42 free concert series every summer at the Sunset Amphitheatre and is also the chair of the Leamington 150 committee. Moran’s times spent as president and director of The Bank Theatre has helped the theatre flourish in recent years.

Another Mayor’s Special Award was given to Michelle Fortier, who is the manager of The Bank Theatre. Together with Moran, Fortier has been a leader in the community for her expertise in the performing arts and she has also been a major factor in the celebrations for Leamington’s 150th birthday this summer. Michelle also volunteers for many other things around town.

Yet another Mayor’s Special Award honoured the late Evelyn Miller, who passed away in March of this year. Mayor MacDonald got emotional when speaking of Evelyn and all of the things she has done for the community. She spent many years volunteering at the Hospice, Erie Shores Campus.

“It is the great dedicated service of individuals such as Evelyn that make Leamington a better place to live,” she said. “A lovely, lovely woman.”

Marilyn’s posthumous award was accepted by her daughter, Jan Polgar.