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9 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M arch 11,2021 theifp.ca1 Halton Hills Drive, Halton Hills, L7G 5G2 | 905-873-2600 | 1-877-712-2205 | haltonhills.ca [TITLE] Marilyn Serjeantson is a woman of many firsts; the first female on Halton Hills Council, followed by being the first woman to run the municipality as mayor. Now, she can add anoth- er title to the list as the first resident to be named the Georgetown Lions Citizen of the Year for two years running -- an honour that was bestowed on her as the club wasn't able to present her award in person last year due to pandemic re- strictions. The modest woman and energetic community vol- unteer said she felt "a bit embarrassed" upon hear- ing her latest recognition. "Over this past year, so many other people have done things that are defi- nitely above and beyond," she said. "But I do feel real- ly honoured. My (late) hus- band would've thought this was great." Having lived in George- town for over half a centu- ry, Serjeantson is a famil- iar face to many, whether it be from her time on council to her variety of volunteer activities around the com- munity. The mother of four became an active volunteer in her children's younger years at George Kennedy Public School -- a move that seemed only fitting as her grandmother was re- lated to the school's name- sake and Georgetown's founder. Serjeantson entered the political ring in the late 1970s, joining the "boys club" as the first woman on Halton Hills Council, later becoming a regional coun- cillor and then the first fe- male mayor of the town in 1994. While many projects were completed during her tenure, she said the one she's most pleased about came during her earliest years on council when she helped establish the Acti- Van service, providing cru- cial public transportation for seniors that still exists today. "Since we don't have a bus service, it (the Acti- Van) has expanded and filled a need. It's made this community a better place," she said. "I always feel proud when I see it." Following more than two decades on council, Serjeantson left and redi- rected her energy to a plethora of community or- ganizations and projects -- almost too many to men- tion. She was instrumental in establishing the early childhood centre at the Gary Allan High School and was a board member of the Devereaux House reha- bilitation project that saved the historical build- ing from certain demoli- tion. She was also a member of the 2007 Georgetown Ho- mecoming Committee, which was so successful that it was recognized as Lions Citizen of the Year in 2007. In addition, Serjeantson is a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Georgetown, having served as president and secretary. Through the club, she has played a key role on the Head for the Hills Craft Beer Festival. "I have known Marilyn for almost 45 years on a per- sonal and professional lev- el, and her tireless energy never ceases to amaze me," wrote Kiwanis Club mem- ber Melanie McCracken in her Citizen of the Year nomination letter. "As a fel- low Kiwanian, I can speak from experience that she is the first to volunteer to tackle any task and I know that a lot of our events could not function without her excessive contribu- tions." And one can't forget her many contributions to Light up the Hills, the ex- tensive Christmas lights display that shines throughout Halton Hills' parks every holiday sea- son. The Lions Club plans to honour Serjeantson in May, with the award pre- sentation subject to pan- demic restrictions. Fur- ther details to be an- nounced. COMMUNITY 'SHE IS THE FIRST TO VOLUNTEER' ACTIVE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER NAMED 2019/2020 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com Marilyn Serjeantson is once again the Georgetown Lions Citizen of the Year. Graham Paine/Metroland As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, we will be making some changes to our website and newsletter. In regards to Canada's federal government advising against all unnecessary travel, we will not be promoting any flights, travel deals and travel packages until further notice. But, just because our travel deals have been put on hold, our team is dedicated to providing YOU, our amazing subscribers, with inspiring and informative blog content during this time! If you haven't done so yet, please sign up for our weekly newsletter so we can keep you up to date! Stay Inside. Stay Informed. Please Visit Travelalerts.ca for fresh travel content, exclusive tips and more!