Main photo: Council thanks COVID assessment centre volunteers Arlene Crozier (bottom left, at left) and Mieke Byl via Zoom
At its regular meeting this week, Huntsville Mayor Karin Terziano reminded council that just over a year ago Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) decided to staff only one COVID-19 test centre in Bracebridge, a decision that the mayor and councillors were not happy about.
“That was an ‘oh no’ moment for me and all of us, I think,” she recalled, adding that local physician Dr. Melanie Mar seemed to feel the same way “and worked tirelessly to make sure we had a COVID test centre happening here in Huntsville.”
Terziano said Mar organized other medical professionals and with support from municipal representatives a testing facility was made available in Huntsville.
“So we certainly thank everybody that has been working at that COVID test centre for the last year but tonight is about two ladies that volunteered – Mieke Byl and Arlene Crozier,” said the mayor noting that the two ladies have been volunteering at the test centre three days per week for over a year.
“The first six months they greeted every COVID [positive] possible person without even being vaccinated and then we finally got them vaccinated,” said Terziano who referred to the ladies as extraordinary for their volunteer work.
“So tonight on behalf of council and the Town, I want to thank you very much and it’s a very small word but it comes from the heart and it comes with admiration and appreciation for everything you’ve done,” she told the ladies. “You guys have gone above and beyond so thank you very, very much.”
The women said it was their pleasure and thanked the mayor for recognizing them. Crozier also took the opportunity to relay a message: “Remember it’s better to vaccinate than cremate,” which caused chuckles.
“You keep telling them that,” responded Terziano.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
Our entire community is in your debt. On top of your already busy lives, you took considerable personal risk to make Huntsville a safer and healthier place. This is true hero stuff, not a single act or occasional volunteering, these are countless hours given in the service of others. I am so grateful and thankful that you amazing women stepped up to help bring us safety and peace of mind. Bravo.
EXCELLENT JOB FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED !!! Thank you so much and stay safe !!!
Thank you very much Kerin, Melanie, Mieke, Arlene and all of the other volunteers and workers at the testing and vaccination clinics. I was very impressed with how well the vaccine clinic was run and everyone was very friendly and efficient. Great job!!!