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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-04-12, Page 19Wednesday, April 12, 2017 • Signal Star 19 IODE Maple Leaf Chapter service recognition awards Kathleen Smith Goderich Signal Star Last week on April 4, the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, (IODE) Maple Leaf Chapter of Goderich held an award ceremony to recognize notable members for their years of service. Held at the Mackay Cen- tre for Seniors on North Street, members of the IODE gathered to support Shirley Baechler, Roberta Machan, Pat Stringer and Lois McGill. The awards for service to these IODE members, was recognition from the National and Provincial Chapters for excellent ser- vice in volunteering within one's community. The awards were pre- sented by Nancy Hughes and Penny Murray, the Co - Membership Officers, of the Goderich Chapter. "Our Chapter in Goderich is the oldest and the largest standing Chapter in Can- ada," stated Hughes. Founded in 1900, the Chapter's first purpose was to offer assistance to Cana- dian soldiers and their fami- lies during the Boar War. During WWI, the IODE Chapters across Canada funded hospitals. The IODE established the first hospital in Goderich in 1909, from money raised through a penny raffle. They bought a house on the corner of South Street and Brittania for $750, which became too small and then moved to the current location. The work of the IODE Chapter in Goderich has always had the same cause, and that is to be in service for the women, children and youth of the community. "We are unique. In 2015 we won the award for most new members in Canada. We are all focused on being volunteers and helping Goderich. I think that is where our strength comes from, our common goal," explained Hughes. The award ceremony rec- ognized a 10 -year service member, a 25 -year service member, a 55 -year service member and one 65 -year service member. Shirley Baechler was rec- ognized for 10 -years of ser- vice with the IODE Maple Leaf Chapter in Goderich. Baechler has held Lois McGill (centre) received a distinguished and certainly well- deserved recognition award for her 65 -years of service with the IODE Chapter of Goderich. Also pictured is Co -Membership Officers Penny Murray (left) and Nancy Hughes (right). executive positions in the past, is always willing to help with the Christmas House Tour and is of certain char- acter to never shy away from putting forward an idea. Roberta Machan was rec- ognized for her 25 -years of volunteer service for the community of Goderich, with IODE. Machan has also held sev- eral executive positions, remains to be active with the IODE and will serve on whichever committee when asked. A very distinguished honour to be recognized for 55 -years of service with the IODE Maple Leaf Chap- ter in Goderich, Pat Stringer was humble when receiving her award. Once a past regent of the Chapter and having held executive positions over the years, Stringer, an extremely gra- cious lady, is a volunteer always ready to be helpful, and who continues to take on shifts in support of help- ing out her community. The final award of the evening was a major event in the history of the IODE Chapter in Goderich and The award recipients (left to right): Lois McGill, 65 -years of service, Shirley Baechler, 1O -years of service, Roberta Machan, 25 -years of service and Pat Stringer, 55 -years of service with the IODE Maple Leaf Chapter of Goderich. Photos by Kathleen Smith/Goderich Signal Star The members of the IODE begin their meeting and award ceremony by standing and reciting a prayer. certainly deserves great rec- ognition for volunteering in the community. Lois McGill was honoured with the recognition for 65 -years of service with the IODE in Goderich. Although McGill never took a position as regent, she was always one of the strong and steady people in the background. She never wanted to put herself front and centre, but was always dependable, dedicated and ready to volunteer. McGill believed in 1951 when she joined and con- tinues to believe in the cause of the IODE - sup- porting the community, with a focus on women, children and youth. 1"."4, i - "AP2w• Pat Stringer (centre) was recognized for her 55 -years of service to the community of Goderich with the IODE. The award was presented by Penny Murray (left) and Nancy Hughes (right), the Co -Membership Officers.