I am extremely grateful to have received the Arts & Culture Service Award from the District of Mission at their annual community service awards on June 6.
What a wonderful rainy afternoon it was at the Mission Leisure Centre gymnasium. Celebrating my 15th year as a columnist this month made it even more of a special milestone.
I accept this acknowledgement not solely as an award, but a responsibility to do more on how we can build an inclusive community. After 180 months and several hundred columns, I still have the energy to stir the pot.
If you asked me in June 1995, if I would still be a columnist in 2010. I probably would have given you a strange, dirty look.
Well, I wouldn't want my story written any other way. I have personally grown through this experience and have always given my best.
This discussion must always continue even after my time. Remember, the moment we stop building relationships we create walls. And I am thankful to the Abbotsford-Mission Times for this opportunity to carry this message.
It's the people who go out of their way to talk to you and shake your hand and encourage me to stay committed.
Readers don't have to say anything, but they do, and it's very humbling. I have met so many inspiring folks, who have given me an educational opportunity of a lifetime.
The common question I get asked is when am I going to throw my name into the political jungle. To clear any misconceptions, I am not doing this for any public position, but strictly for the love of our community and nation. Nothing against politicians, but they have their role and I have mine.
The District of Mission did a fantastic job in honoring some of their finest 19 volunteers Sunday afternoon. With a packed audience it was inspiring listening to the incredible backgrounds of recipients.
Mayor James Atebe said: "It's not city hall that builds things in this community . . . it's the people, particularly people who volunteer their time, their passion and their energy."
Entertainment included: Bob & the Nine Lives, who sang the Mission City Song and the mysterious Business in Black dancers of Mission, led by Suzanne Primus. Hope to see you guys and gals at another event. Radio voice and Mission resident Roy Hafeli was master of ceremonies, who drove all night just to be part of this spectacular community event.
Thank you, Roy. There were many special moments, for example when Mission Coun. Jenny Stevens and her dog were presenting the Special Accomplishment Award to Sandy Forward and her big dog Murphy, who are frequent volunteers at hospitals. Who says we don't live in a dog's world?
To have two beautiful dogs on the stage at the same time demonstrates animals are an integral part of our society and deserve our praise.
Mission is a growing city and with community involvement it is easy to witness positive results. Flipping through the official ceremony pamphlet and seeing the list of past recipients - recognizing many names that are not with us anymore.
I owe much gratitude to many for there generosity of time. I will never forget it.
Here are the remaining recipients and their categories: Thomas O' Beirne - Freeman of the City, Dennis Derrough - Freeman of the City, Mission and District Lions Club - Long Term Distinguished Service Award, Rhona Jacobsen - Lifetime Achievement Award, Margaret Clifton - Lifetime Achievement Award, Cindy Kelly - Lifetime Achievement Award, The Reed Family ( Bob, Leslie, Emily, Katherine, Dianna, Thomas) - Citizens of the Year, Mission Search & Rescue - Crime Prevention & Community Safety Award, Sandy Forward and "Murphy" - Special Accomplishment Award, Steelhead Community Association - Special Accomplishment Award, Mission & District Soapbox Derby Association - Special Accomplishment Award, Jean Kask - Against the Odds Achievement Award, Lee Kwidzinski - Arts & Culture Service Award, Mission Heritage Association Volunteers - Arts & Culture Service Award, Daniel Crich - Community Service Award (under age 25), Xenia (Sunny) von Rosen - Community Service Award, Julie Hartland - Community Service Award and William (Bill) Grieve - Sports Volunteer of the Year.
No comments:
Post a Comment