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Residents honoured for their Community Spirit by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 5 | Friday, June 10, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville residents care deeply about helping others, as evidenced Wednesday (June 8) at the 15th annual Community Spirit Awards. The Town of Oakville's annual gathering recognizes volunteers, groups or businesses that work hard to make the community better. Winners were announced at a sold-out ceremony and reception, emceed by The Weather Network's Chris Mei and held at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC). "All of this community activity, all of this engagement is what makes Oakville, Oakville. We're involved with each other. That's why what we're doing tonight is so important," said Mayor Rob Burton. "Although a few people are going to take home beautiful prizes, everybody who participates in our community wins, in terms of the great quality of life and the great sense of safety we have." There were 38 nominees this year in seven categories -- Access Award, Arts Award, Group Volunteer Award, Heritage Award, Individual Volunteer Award, Senior Award and Youth Award. Each recipient received an award designed by local furniture and woodworking artists Joseph Bauman and Dayna Gedney. At the 15th annual Oakville Community Spirit Awards are pictured, in back, presenters, in front, recipients. At back, from left, Kim Aspinall, Colleen Bell, Janice Jacobs, Ron Dodorico, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, Kristin Courtney, Melody Courtney and Joseph Bauman, one of the designers of the awards. In front, from left, Matteo Esposito, Dawne Rudmand, Greg Munz, James Montague, Karen Baring, Fred Drews, and Nicky Lawson (R) and her Dog Guide, Ted. | photo by Noah Park ­ special to the Beaver The Group Volunteer Award, sponsored by the Town of Oakville, recognizes a group of three or more individuals who come together to volunteer their time towards a shared goal, activity or event involving leadership, innovation and creativity. BusiWomen, an organization that empowers women in the community through business, marketing and networking opportunities, garnered the award. Founder and owner Karen Baring attributes the accolade to the group's initiative with the Halton Multicultural Council (HMC) in December 2015, creating community gift baskets with custom-made holiday cards and cookies for new Syrian refugees. "Something like that can impact a lot of people on both ends -- people working for the cause and the people receiving them," said Baring. "Not only are we business-minded, but we're very like-minded in the sense that we understand the importance of community and giving back." Sponsored by Genworth Financial Canada, the Heritage Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to Oakville by aiding in the preservation and celebration of the town's natural, built or cultural heritage. The honour went to Greg Munz for his years of work with the Oakville Historical Society (OHS). He is heavily involved with creating historical exhibits, the digitization of records and archives and other tasks such as yard sales and renovations. He also formed the OHS' Exhibit Planning Committee. Munz said the recognition is "really encouraging," not only for himself, but for the people he works with on various projects. "We've moved from doing very, very simple see Community on p.14 HAPPY FATHER'S DAY from all your friends at ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL DAY DAD Enjoy getting out and about with a scooter Easy to purchase, drive and maintain A great way to run errands, do fun things and get out and enjoy life! Go from reclining to standing at the push of a button in a Lift Chair Many colours, sizes and styles to suit any person and home decor Available with both heat and massage Visit our well stocked retail showrooms where our friendly staff will help you select the product that is best for you. Thinking of Retiring... Someday? Let's Talk. Visit our website to sign up for a free consultation. Peter Watson MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Jennifer Watson B.A. 220 Randall Street, Downtown Oakville 905-842-2100 peterwatsoninvestments.com 20% OFF MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE (Discounts not eligible on items funded by a third party.) on the purchase of a Scooter or Lift Chair. Offer expires June 30, 2016 549 Bronte Rd, Oakville 154 Norseman St, Etobicoke info@accessabilities.ca 905-825-5335 416-237-9654 www.accessabilities.ca Authorized ADP/VAC Vendor | Licensed Medical Devices Establishment We will always happily honour our local competitor's prices.