A former councillor who passed away last year is being honoured as Georgina's 2023 Citizen of the Year, and volunteers who have made "outstanding contributions" are being recognized with 2023 awards of merit.
The town recognized Stephen Pallett, who died in March, as 2023 Citizen of the Year at a ceremony May 16. He had a passion for farming that spanned nearly five decades. He served as vice-president at the Red Barn Theatre in Jackson’s Point and chaired the committee of adjustment for the Town of Georgina. Pallett also served on the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and was a dedicated community volunteer, activist and supporter of the arts.
Here are the 2023 Volunteer Award of Merit recipients:
Individual Award of Merit
- Denise Sheedy
- Frank Tuttle
- Trish Mulholland
- Susan Hutchinson
- Wendy Busby
Youth Award of Merit
- Fallon LaPorte
- Fenton Young
- Abigail Vahey
Community organization Award of Merit
- ClearWater Farm
- Junior Optimist Club of Keswick
- Optimist Club of Keswick
Business Award of Merit
- Connors Music
- EM Convenience
- Learning Centre for Georgina
- Taps N Tracks
“Volunteers play a vital role in our community and help make it a better place,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk in a news release. “The Volunteer Award of Merit recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions to our town. Volunteers play a vital role in so many of our local organizations who rely on their support to be able to provide services to our residents.
"I was honoured to be able to recognize former councillor Stephen Pallett with the Citizen of the Year award. I would like to thank all the award recipients for their generosity and the incredible work they do every day.”