The 2012 Mayor's Levee not only serves as a way to reflect on the past year and ring in the new one, but also is a way to recognize some of Woodstock's unsung heroes.
Mayor Art Slipp awarded the first plaque to Mary Ann Walker, longtime owner of Hairraiser 678. Walker was not present at the levee, so Slipp read the citation on the plaque.
"This award, presented on behalf of the citizens of the Town of Woodstock, is in recognition of her (Walker's) outstanding contribution to community events organized to enrich youth in the Woodstock area."
"Mary Anne is the individual that seized the annual Easter egg hunt from the Chamber of Commerce and ran with it and made it into a great event," Slipp added.
John Thompson, proprietor of Thompson Insurance and Real Estate, received an award in recognition of his "distinguished service and exemplary work in the affairs of the greater Woodstock region," the citation read.
"He has not limited his work to Woodstock," Slipp pointed out. "He has been very generous with his time and resources to other programs in the community."
"Today, we selected John for recognition for his work in the area of business improvement in the downtown core, and also for his countless hours of background work and accompaniment in the musical area and the gifts he has shared with the community."
Thompson was grateful for the award, and noted that business improvement committee hasn't been as active as he hoped over the past little while, but they will be working to change that in the near future.
Venerable Walter Williams was also saluted for his dedication to his church (St. Luke's Anglican), his community and Canada's military. Williams serves as the town's military chaplain, which involves working locally and abroad with members of the armed forces and their families.
"Thank you very much for this," Williams said upon accepting the award. "When I came to this town twenty years ago, which is hard to believe, the vestry said that they wanted me to put at least 25 per cent of my time back into the town. One way I could do that is by helping the first responders, the other is by being Chaplain of the Third Field Regiment and the 89th battery."
Awards were not limited to individuals. Representatives from three notable organizations were hand to accept awards as well.
Sanctuary House was awarded for the group's work in helping women in abusive relationships.
"I am retiring in two months and I am so grateful to have been able to do this work in the town of Woodstock. I cannot think of a better place to tackle a touchy subject when there are so many people who are smart with an open heart and open mind," Debrah Westerburg remarked upon accepting the award. "I really appreciate all of the support we have received over the years."
The Meduxnekeag River Association (MRA) was also noted for their endless work in preserving the Meduxnekeag watershed. MRA members George Peabody, Darlene Tapley, Amy Anderson and Catherine Sutherland accepted the award from Mayor Slipp and Miss Woodstock 2011 Ashley Black.
Last, but not least, the River Valley Arts Alliance (RiVA), or in the words of Mayor Slipp, "the new kids on the block," were awarded for their efforts in improving the arts and cultural atmosphere in the community, and for providing the town with the Dooryard Arts Festival. RiVA members Geoff Stairs, Amy Anderson, Katelin Dean and Laurel Green accepted the plaque.
"On behalf of the [RiVA] organization, I would like to thank the town for all of their support, and the citizens in the town for volunteering and for their financial support, and most of all, for coming to our events," said Katelin Dean after RiVA accepted their award.
There would not have been enough time at the levee to recognize everyone in the community who works to make it a better place. Many who work tirelessly to improve the town of Woodstock for everyone else do it quietly and are not recognized. Many also are volunteers. The Shiretown Blogger would like to thank everyone who dedicates themselves to their community, whether it be those who make sports programs possible or the people who keep the local farm market operating. Thank you.
Mayor Art Slipp awarded the first plaque to Mary Ann Walker, longtime owner of Hairraiser 678. Walker was not present at the levee, so Slipp read the citation on the plaque.
"This award, presented on behalf of the citizens of the Town of Woodstock, is in recognition of her (Walker's) outstanding contribution to community events organized to enrich youth in the Woodstock area."
"Mary Anne is the individual that seized the annual Easter egg hunt from the Chamber of Commerce and ran with it and made it into a great event," Slipp added.
John Thompson, proprietor of Thompson Insurance and Real Estate, received an award in recognition of his "distinguished service and exemplary work in the affairs of the greater Woodstock region," the citation read.
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| John Thompson is seen here speaking after being presented with a plaque by Mayor Art Slipp and Miss Woodstock 2011 Ashley Black. Mayor Slipp referred to Thompson as "Woodstock's newest cover boy" prior to presenting him with an award. |
"Today, we selected John for recognition for his work in the area of business improvement in the downtown core, and also for his countless hours of background work and accompaniment in the musical area and the gifts he has shared with the community."
Thompson was grateful for the award, and noted that business improvement committee hasn't been as active as he hoped over the past little while, but they will be working to change that in the near future.
Venerable Walter Williams was also saluted for his dedication to his church (St. Luke's Anglican), his community and Canada's military. Williams serves as the town's military chaplain, which involves working locally and abroad with members of the armed forces and their families.
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| From left: Mayor Art Slipp, Venerable Walter Williams, and Miss Woodstock 2011 Ashley Black |
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| Venerable Walter Williams speaking after he received an award. |
Awards were not limited to individuals. Representatives from three notable organizations were hand to accept awards as well.
Sanctuary House was awarded for the group's work in helping women in abusive relationships.
 |
| From left: Mayor Art Slipp, Debrah Westerburg of Sanctuary House, and Miss Woodstock 2011 Ashley Black |
The Meduxnekeag River Association (MRA) was also noted for their endless work in preserving the Meduxnekeag watershed. MRA members George Peabody, Darlene Tapley, Amy Anderson and Catherine Sutherland accepted the award from Mayor Slipp and Miss Woodstock 2011 Ashley Black.
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| From left: Mayor Art Slipp, George Peabody, Catherine Sutherland, Miss Woodstock 2011 Ashley Black, Darlene Tapley and Amy Anderson. |
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| Mayor Art Slipp and Miss Woodstock 2011 Ashley Black presented an award to RiVA members Katelin Dean, Geoff Stairs, Amy Anderson and Laurel Green. |
There would not have been enough time at the levee to recognize everyone in the community who works to make it a better place. Many who work tirelessly to improve the town of Woodstock for everyone else do it quietly and are not recognized. Many also are volunteers. The Shiretown Blogger would like to thank everyone who dedicates themselves to their community, whether it be those who make sports programs possible or the people who keep the local farm market operating. Thank you.
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