AMHERST – Community-minded people devote their own time to make their communities better.
Those people were celebrated by the town of Amherst at a reception on April 9 at the Credit Union Business Innovation Centre in Amherst, including the Town of Amherst Volunteer of the Year, Shelley Carroll.
“Shelley is an example of a community-minded individual whose only goal is to better her community and change the lives of others,” said Amherst mayor David Kogan during his introduction of Carroll.
Kogan highlighted some of the many organizations Carroll has volunteered for, including the Amherst Valentines Run, Amherst Minor Hockey, Cumberland Minor Hockey, the Amherst Striders, ARHS basketball, 100 Women of Cumberland County, the Cumberland Health Authority, the Community Christmas Dinner, as well as volunteering in the school system, in the band, and athletics.
“To volunteer is Shelley’s way of giving back and being part of something bigger than herself,” said Kogon.
Speaking at the podium, Carroll gave thanks and celebrated the spirit of all the volunteers in attendance.
“If construction and cranes are a sign of a community’s economic strength, then volunteers represent the strength of spirit,” said Carroll. “The state of our community is predicated on the collective spirit of the individual members who come together to give of themselves. They shape our community into what we see around us today.”
Carroll quoted from Margaret Mead, a cultural anthropologist and activist: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’
“I believe that, and I believe that this room is full of people who demonstrate that level of commitment in making a difference and contributing to the community,” said Carroll. “They do it every day.”
Volunteers recognized at the reception are as follows:
Shelley E. Carroll – Volunteer of the Year
Aaron Froese – Youth Volunteer of the Year
Carolyn Droesbeck – Amherst Chapter Kidney Foundation
Cherie Johnston – Maggie’s Place
Cheryl Lefler – Fundy Youth Soccer
Dianne Gillis – Holy Family Parish
Dominic Boyd – Amherst Care Giver Support Group
Dwayne York – Canadian Red Cross
Earl Dwyer – 50-Plus Club
Edward Daniel MacKay – Showcase Productions Society
Fred Gould – Amherst Minor Basketball
Helena Pronk – IODE Tantramar
Ivy Kierstead – Amherst Assistance Food Network
Jason Blanch – Cumberland Restorative Justice
John M Wales – Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum
Kashika Jaggi – MADD Cumberland, Tantramar
Nikita Black – Amherst Lioness Club
Lipton Spence – 50-Plus Club
Margaret Smith – Lord Amherst Chapter IODE
Nancy Trenholm – Cumberland Y’s Service Club
Paul Calder – The Rotary Club of Amherst
Paul Hawkes – Amherst Curling Club
Raymond Gouchie – Knights of Columbus
Ron Gould – Fundy Youth Soccer Club
Ronald Wilson – The Rotary Club of Amherst
Rubin Millard – Amherst Lions Club
Sandie Smith – Zonta Club
Vera Faulkner – Cumberland Health Care Auxiliary