Stan Mathewson, Orillia’s Citizen Of The Year
By John Swartz
Monday night’s Orillia council meeting began with the awarding of the annual Citizen of the Year honour. Stan Mathewson, chair of Sustainable Orillia, was chosen from a field of 15 nominations.
The citation read: “Stan has a passion for this planet and in fall of 2018 he initiated Sustainable Orillia with the goal of encouraging the community to take action and build healthy lives for the people of Orillia, our children and grandchildren. Mathewson has been instrumental in ensuring the seriousness of the climate crisis is understood and that individuals understand how their actions can make a difference.”
Of the 15 nominees, 4 others made a short list for consideration. They are:
Ruth Fountain: Ruth has served our community and surrounding communities tirelessly in numerous volunteer capacities. Ruth volunteers at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Foodland Orillia preparing grocery orders for the shut-ins, Orillia Fall Fair, Orillia Public Library and the Salvation Army, just to name a few. Ruth continuously attends workshops and encourages others to learn about our environment heritage, health and food.
Nancy Hannah: Nancy actively serves the community in numerous volunteer capacities including St. David’s Church Children’s Club, Regent Park Public School Parent Council, The Sharing Place and Scouts Canada. Nancy continuously demonstrates she is committed to enriching the lives of others.
Dr. Kim McIntosh: Dr. McIntosh goes above and beyond in her role as local physician. Whether in her role as program medical director for integrated care, medicine and patient flow at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital, or as a member of the board at the Couchiching Family Health Team, she effectively inspires colleagues to mobilize, work collaboratively and is always leading by example. She also played a vital role in the Regional Planning Table and moving our local Ontario Health Team initiative forward. She has been an active member of the Orillia arts community, seen on stage in two Mariposa Arts Theatre productions and courtside coaching basketball. Dr. McIntosh exemplifies what it means to be passionate about the community.
Steve Orr: Steve is a long-standing business owner, supporter and sponsor of local events, local artisans and a champion for groups serving youth by sponsoring and supporting the Orillia Youth Centre, Orillia Concert Band, Roots North Music Festival, Orillia Opera House Summer Theatre, Orillia SPCA, Ramara Chamber of Commerce, Valis Sound Studio Project, and Camp Couchiching Community Initiative to name just a few. Steve has supported numerous other community endeavours.
Other nominees included Dean Beers, Amanda Bowes, Bob Bowles, Judy Catania, Bruce Duncan, Rose Ganton-Thatcher, Carolyn Marie Goodwin, Brant Mawdsley, Lucy Goodman and Zac Waite.
(Photo by Swartz – SUNonline/Orillia)
UPDATED with additional photos.
