Chamber announces three Citizen of the Year Award recipients for years 2020-2022

By Sandra Watson-Brown

Photo: Dean Smales is the Citizen of the Year Award recipient for 2022. From left, Chamber president Derek Watson-Brown, Dean Smales and Chamber vice president Brenda Murdoch.

The Port Sydney/Utterson & Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award is presented annually to one person who has made a significant contribution to the community. To qualify, a recipient must:

• live in the community,
• exemplify community spirit,
• add to the quality of life for others in the community,
• and be known for ‘going the extra mile’ by volunteering when he or she sees a need.

As we had not gathered for Canada Day festivities in Port Sydney for two years, we had a little catching up to do on July 1^st, 2022. President Derek Watson-Brown and Vice President Brenda Murdoch announced the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Citizen of the Year winners at Port Sydney Beach during the Canada Day BBQ hosted by the Port Sydney Parks and Recreation Group.

2022

While we were adjusting to staying apart, our honourees for this year found a unique way to promote a sense of connectedness. During the first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic, in the spring of 2020, people started to notice inspirational, hand-painted rocks placed throughout the village. Many of the rocks featured rainbows – a well-known symbol of hope – while several others featured encouraging phrases surrounded by floral designs. Whether they were spotted by a signpost, at the end of a driveway, in front of a local store, or on a church porch, these cheerfully painted rocks lifted people’s spirits and reminded everyone that we live in a caring community. These random acts of kindness were carried out anonymously by a number of people of varying ages, who weren’t necessarily all connected to each other. While we DO know one of the organizers of this effort, we do NOT wish to spoil the mystery, and we will NOT reveal any identities publicly, however… it was our pleasure to name ‘The Rock Fairies’ as our 2020 Citizen of the Year for setting a tone of optimism and positivity, and for easing our community through a difficult time. Congratulations, and thank you, to ‘The Rock Fairies’!

2021

Our 2021 recipient has been a hard-working volunteer in our community for many years. If you have attended a BBQ at the beach, or a fundraising meal at the Port Sydney Community Hall, you have almost certainly enjoyed it because this person helped to plan it, and run it – and to clean up after it! This individual is just always there, helping to make things happen for our community through organizations such as the Port Sydney Parks and Recreation Group, and the Stephenson District Lions Club. She has a soft spot for children, and she goes out of her way to help and support them however she can. Together with her husband, she has fostered a dedication to community service in her children and grandchildren, and in those around her. Despite her best efforts to shy away from recognition, the impact she has had has not gone unnoticed, and we are very grateful for everything she has done for our community. It was our pleasure to present the 2021 Citizen of the Year Award to… Barb Stillar! Congratulations Barb, and thank you for your service!

2022

Our 2022 recipient has been active in the community through the Stephenson District Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce and has generously supported a wide variety of local fundraising efforts over the years. This individual is well known for his friendly and helpful nature, as well as his outstanding customer service – traits that he has clearly fostered in his staff, many of whom are longstanding employees. We have noticed that even after they have retired, they still show up for work, which is a good indication that he has also been a great boss! It was our pleasure to announce that the 2022 Citizen of the Year is… Dean Smales! For the past 34 years, Dean has quite simply provided our community with a cornerstone through his Hardware business – first as an independent, then as Dean’s Pro Hardware, and most recently as Dean’s Home Hardware. As Dean is transitioning into retirement, we want to thank him for his immeasurable contribution to the fabric of our community. Congratulations Dean! (Due to a July 1^st scheduling conflict, Dean’s award was presented to him prior to Canada Day.)