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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-09-22, Page 14Crossroads 14 Wednesday, September 22, 2004 Exeter Times Advocate Exeter Volunte er receives `Senior of the Year' award By Pat Bolen TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — An Exeter resident was recog- nized for his volunteer works and efforts on behalf of seniors Sept. 13 at South Huron council. Jim Bearss is the Senior Activities Co- ordinator for the Municipality of South Huron and his work was honoured with the presentation of the "Senior of the Year Award 2004." Bearss is active in many different projects in the community on behalf of seniors, from writing weekly columns to organizing local events. The award was estab- lished in 1994 to give each municipality in the province the oppor- tunity to honour one outstanding local senior. The recipient is some- one who, after age of 65, has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of the community without thought of per- sonal or financial gain. Each year approxi- mately 200 municipali- ties take part in this award program. The award takes the form of a certificate signed by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the minister responsible for seniors and the local head of council. Individuals must have contributed to the well being of their commu- nities in one of the fol- lowing areas: arts, cul- ture, education, envi- ronment/science, fit- ness/recreation/sports, human rights/humani- tarian activities, anti - racism, community ser- vice, preservation of history or volunteer services. No one who provided support to their com- munity as part of a job or received payment, other than for expens- es, is eligible for this award. Bearss was nominated by South Huron council in May, and sent the following writeup to the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. "Mr Jim Bearss has served the Municipality of South Huron as Senior Activities Co- ordinator on a volun- tary basis. "His role is to co-ordi- nate and promote seniors activities and programs in the area. "As a means of com- municating events and programs that seniors can participate in, Jim writes a lengthy article that is published in a couple of local newspa- pers. "Recently he added a section about fallen war heroes called "Lest we forget" to remind the public of the sacri- fices of these coura- geous men and women. "One of Jim's largest projects is the Annual South Huron Trade Fair and Information Expo. "For the past two years, Jim has orga- nized this huge event, which brings together local businesses and various organizations that offer products and services not only to seniors but also to all members of the com- munity. In his spare time, he has compiled a list of businesses in town that are wheelchair accessi- ble and has put togeth- er lists of seniors in the municipality area. Although he is not in a paid position, Jim comes to the office nearly everyday to work on his projects and lend a hand wher- ever needed. The municipality cer- tainly appreciates Jim's friendly manner, his wonderful sense of humour and his bright smile when he greets us in the morning. His strong leadership skills, his outstanding willingness to help oth- ers and his service to our community is truly inspirational. We are proud to nom- inate Jim for the "Senior of the Year Award 2004" since he is not only an asset to the Municipality of South Huron but also to the entire community." Bearss said he didn't find out he had received the award until last week and wasn't aware he had even been nominated." Of his many activities, Bearss said the one which requires among the most effort is his weekly `Senior Perspective' column "That takes as much time as anything to get together and it's grow- ing. Bearss said he knew of the existence of the award since he had received the informa- tion on behalf of the South Huron seniors group. "I didn't pursue it ... and it's likely a good job I didn't." MUNICIPALITY OF South Huron Mayor Rob Morley presents Exeter resident Jim Bearss `Senior of theYear Award 2004:' Sept. 13 at South Huron Council. (photo/ScottNixon) "Next year we'll try and get somebody else who is deserving of it." Bearss said he found out about the award when he was called into the municipal office by town clerk Sandy Strang. "I thought when I was going to the office they can't really fire me, because I'm a volun- teer. Then when I got there she put her hand out and said 'congratu- lations' . I could have fallen off the chair." Other projects Bearss said he has been work- ing on include: • Two polling inter- views, calling seniors and asking what they would like to do, now and in the future. •Working with Jane Muegge of OMAF, Chief administrative officer Larry Brown and oper- ations manager Dennis Hockey to get informa- tion stands made for the town hall to show- case the many brochures that are available. • Promoting business with the and service in the Senior Perspective col- umn, especially ones that have participated in the past two trade fairs. • Started working with Brown to gather information about the possibility of having seniors apartments built. Bearss said many older people on fixed incomes are having a hard time maintaining a home and are looking at other alternatives. Piche Family band slated to perform at Exeter Fall Fair EXETER - The talented, Fiche Family is scheduled to perform at the Exeter Fall Fair, Sept. 24. The Fiche family offers up a mostly Celtic concert of beautiful music, deliv- ered by capable and tal- ented musicians. The award-winning fam- ily will impress everyone with their talent and their ability to entertain an audience. Their CD 'The Fiche Family' features mostly Celtic tunes, six instru- mentals and six with vocals. This is a recording that features vocal work, soar- ing fiddle playing and great performances by all. Both parents have been active in music, teaching and performing for over 32 years. Nathan Fiche plays bass, composes and sings in the band. He has recently finished a successful first year of music at the University of Western Ontario. Nathan also plays in an up-and-coming rock band with his brother Matthew Fiche. Visit them on the web at www.appertaindis- play.com Matthew Fiche is the group's fiddle player; he also plays mandolin and stepdances. He is an award-winning classical violinist and an amazing fiddler. Matthew's energetic per- formances regularly capti- vate audiences, especially when he stepdances and plays the fiddle at the same time. Aimee Fiche plays gui- tar, bodhran, spoons and stepdances. She is an award -wining classical guitarist and is in demand as a soloist. The Fiche Family has been received enthusiasti- cally wherever they per- form and their perfor- mances regularly bring audiences to their feet. The Piche Family, one of south-western Ontario's favourite family groups, will be performing at the Exeter Fall Fair, Friday evening. (photo/submitted)