COMMUNITY ANGEL: Golden rule marks Queen of Newmarket's reign

NewmarketToday is marking this giving season by celebrating Newmarket's Community Angels, the people whose kindness, compassion and community spirit help make our town one of the best to live in the country.

The heart of  Jackie Playter intrinsically beats in pace with the town of Newmarket.

In fact, she’s fondly referred to as the Queen of Newmarket by many in the community.

The longtime Newmarket resident is — quite literally — everywhere.

You can count on her presence at every event of note in town, particularly those that support organizations serving those in need.

She prefers to toil for a good cause in the background, but the positive impact of her deeds has forced her at times to stand in the limelight, with her long list of awards and recognition including the Town of Newmarket’s prestigious Honorary Citizen Award, which recognizes a rare level of service and commitment to the community.

She has also received the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship award, nominated by ardent fan and former longtime mayor Tony Van Bynen, who would often joke that he was fortunate she wasn't interested in running for mayor.

Belinda's Place, Victim Services, the Newmarket Historical Society, the Awesome Foundation, and the gala for the arts have all flourished under her commitment, and she regularly volunteers for Terry Fox, Easter Seals, MS and Inn from the Cold, too.

It’s a rare day indeed that you don’t see her strolling on Newmarket’s Main Street, where the Playter family business, Roadhouse and Rose, can be found. Her compassion, and her strong hug, have lightened many hearts and brightened many days.

Speaking of hugs, she was, of course, a member of the team of eight that recently broke a Guinness World Record at the town’s first hugathon in support of two charities aiding children and youth.

As an active member and former chair of the Main Street Newmarket BIA, she is a tireless Main Street booster and advocate for the preservation of Newmarket’s heritage.

Playter had a hand in establishing the Newmarket Farmers Market, a vibrant and popular Saturday morning tradition that celebrated 20 successful years in 2019. 

She would challenge you if you suggest anyone loves Newmarket’s Main Street more than she does.

Playter is equally as passionate in her support of the Liberal Party, and has tireless energy for knocking on doors and hammering in signs during election campaigns.

She launched the all-things-Newmarket private Facebook group page, called Newmarket: What’s Happening, when she saw a void in community news in 2012.

There, she has created a caring, connected and engaged community of more than 12,000 members. 

The Queen of Newmarket rules the page with a benevolent hand, but takes a no-nonsense approach and will unabashedly censor posts deemed inappropriate or negative.

Her rules, posted in her trademark style with capital letters on many of the words, are clear:   “Ask Questions, Post Pictures, Post Events. Trade stories and adventures. Please no politics.:) Please no swearing, it will be deleted.:) No Bashing of Businesses, people or establishments. There are always two sides to every story and it isn't fair if we only hear one side. All frivolous posts like Helicopter posts, why Are The Police on a certain Street or someone is parking out of the lines will be deleted. And No Memes Please We Like Conversation On This Page. Above All Please Be Kind And Respect Others.:) Thanks.:) And Please No Rants.:) Also, If I Can't See A Post Information Not Available) Your Post Will Be Deleted.:)”

If only all users of social media followed the rules of Jackie Playter, the world might be a better (and certainly nicer) place today.

Her kindness and empathy are often on display on that page, where she’ll draw attention to a cause in need of support, or make an appeal for a small act of generosity that will make a world of difference to a family or individual.

Most recently, her Community Christmas Fund helped 10 local families.

“That Is Truly Amazing,” she posted on the page on Christmas Eve, thanking friends, family and organizations for donating “So Willingly And Lovingly”.

“No One Person Can Help Make a Special Christmas For Families Who Need A Helping Hand But As A Group As A Community We Can Make A Difference And We Did Make A Difference. So Thanks To Each And Everyone Of You Who Donated In Any Way.”  

“Jackie is exceptional,” said her friend and former Newmarket-Aurora MPP Kyle Peterson at the time of her Honorary Citizen Award in 2017. “She is, indeed, the Queen of Newmarket.”

Newmarket would be a different place without community angel Jackie Playter.