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PINE RIDGE GARDEN CLUB In March of 1977, the Pine Ridge Garden Club became acharter member of the Ontario Horticuttural Association and 31 years and countless civic projects later they are more dedicated than ever in making Scugog Township a beautiful place to live. These unsung volunteers work countless hours on the Spring Garden Show each year so that they have the funds to make donations to bursaries and special projects throughout our community and this past year donated $2,000 towards the new look for the Blackstock Cenotaph. Whether it is Communities in Bloom, Cartwright Fields, the hospital, the museum or young students needing funds to continue on in school, this club has been very generous with their time and hard-earned funds over the years and deserve recognition for all they have done. DOUG BROWN, BILL COHOON The “Lighting the Way” campaign was completed in 2008 with the community raising over $4 million towards anew endoscopy suite at Lakeridge Health Port Perry. Leading the large team of fundraisers, organizations and individuals were these two co-chairman who managed to pull it all together. Over the course of two years, they spent countless hours explaining the benefits of a well-equipped health care system and what it means in terms of physician recruitment and retention as well as creating a centre of excellence for this procedure at our local hospital. While both men could take a breather right now, Doug continues to work as Chair of the Hospital Foundation and Bill serves on the very successful physician recruitment team. Thank you for leading us on “Bill & Doug's Excellent Adventure” for our hospital. MARG SNIDER-MCGRATH, BONNIE THOMSON, MARTHA LARSEN In the fall of 2008, the Township of Scugog saw the official open- ing of Reflection Park. What started out as an initiative to make Prince Albert’s history students connect with their past, blossomed into a major project involving all the elementary school students in Scugog. The vision and persistence of the three organizers to this beauti- ful legacy in our community is to be commended. The official opening in October was one of the premier events of the year as children, veterans, parents and the citizens came together to of- ficially dedicate our newest park. As one jorter put it “this is Scugog’s greatest collaborative project” and the fact that so many of our students were involved in its creation can only ensure that it will stay beautiful. 18 FOCUS - JANUARY 2009 HEATHER HALIEURTON;SMITH jow | missed recognizing this vores for so long is a mystery to me. Heather has been a Rotary president, the founder and driving force behind the annual Aquarama fundraiser and the voice of the Dragon Boat races at the wa- terfront this past June. Heather is also the first person many think of if they need flowers, decorations or some creative ideas for local fundraisers. Hardworking, caring, and unassuming are just some of the words used to describe son Devon have become an integral part of our community and are always very supportive of sharing her with all of us. Last August, Heather stated she received the perfect Christmas gift and that was the good weather needed to help her raise money for charity. That sums up this recipi- ent the best. SCUGOG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE For more than 75 years, the local Chamber of Com- merce (formerly the Port Perry Businessmen’s Association) has brought the Santa Claus Parade to the residents of Scugog and for many, many years they have also organized the Canada Day festivities at the waterfront. These two events have become hugely successful. It is important to remember that these events are run by Chamber volunteers and we should thank them for all they have done over the years. Organizing and running events takes a great deal of time and energy — time that many may need to invest in their business. Successful communities need service clubs, individuals and business to all work together. By recognizing the Chambers volunteerism, we have a chance to recognize the charitable nature of our local businesses. It is my hope we can continue to support them the way they support the community. JOHN MACKEY, AL FULFORD If you enjoy skating at the waterfront in the winter you can thank these volunteers. John has run the Port Perry Marina for well over 20 years. Al and his wife Debbie run the Boardwalk Café. But for many years, John & Al have taken on the winter challenge of flooding the outdoor rink at the base of Queen St. Young and old can enjoy our wa- terfront in the winter thanks to their generosity. However, it does not stop there as John volunteers with many other events including weed removal and equipment for Aquar- ama - if it happens on the water or at the waterfront he always seems willing to help. This winter take the time to go for a skate on the lake and then stop by for a hot choco- late and thank John and Al for they truly are the “Lords of the Rink.”