Original appeared in The OSCAR, April 1995.
Despite the fact that the Whitton Awards ceremony took place on the same night as the Academy Awards, over 300 area residents honoured their friends and neighbours at the third annual Whitton Awards ceremony March 27.
The Whitton Awards, named after former ward Alderman and Ottawa's first female Mayor Charlotte Whitton, were initiated by Councillor Jim Watson in 1992 as a way to recognize the efforts of the many neighborhood volunteers who work so tirelessly for the benefit of our community.
“The support the community has shown for the awards is tremendous,” Watson said. “The fact people chose to spend the evening commemorating the hard work of their neighbours rather than watching the Oscars indicates how special our community is!”
Twenty four individuals and one group were presented with Whitton Awards in recognition of outstanding community involvement. Ten recipients were from Ottawa South.
The Environment Awards were co-presented by John Woods and James Heath, President and VP, Rideau River Residence Association, Carleton U. John Lubrun, custodian and gardener at Ottawa South Branch Library received an award for his beautiful garden which greatly contributes to our community. The other environment winners were Glebe resident and Coordinator of the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, Mike Kaulbars, and Chris Jalkotzy from Ottawa East, President of Ecovision.
The Sports and Recreation awards were co-presented by Rod Bryden, Chair of the Ottawa Senators and Glebe resident. Paul Power from Ottawa South was honoured for extensive involvement with the Glebe Little League for the past 10 years. Pansy Avenue resident Joe Silverman was given a Whitton Award for his organization of recreational activities including the annual Pansy Picnic, the Pansy Fire and Ice Festival and the Pansy Avenue Ball Hockey League. A final award went to Glebe resident Ken Sharp, for extensive involvement in the Ottawa Centre Minor Hockey Association.
Barbara Ramsay and Darrell Richards were each given awards for Business and Commercial Activities. Barbara, Ottawa South resident and owner of the Shoppers Drug Mart in Merivale Mall, was recently named 1994 Exemplary Board of Trade/Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year for her participation in community and economic development. Darrell operates The Bike Stop on Bank Street and is Transport 2000's project leader on the commuter rail initiative. Adrienne Armstrong and Sean Twomey from Arbour Recycled Products, in the Glebe, received the final Business award. Willy Bagnell, President of Ottawa-Carleton Board of Trade, help present these awards.
The Arts and Culture Awards went to two very worthy recipients: John Gomez, professional musician and music teacher who has made a tremendous contribution to the musical community and Julian Smith, talented architect and creative genius behind restoration of the Aberdeen Pavilion. Jennifer Dickson, internationally renowned artist and Ottawa South resident, co-presented these awards.
Russ Barton, Carleton Foot Patrol, Michael Lynch and Don Finless and Sandra Zed Finless received Community Activism awards. Russ is a past president of OSCA and past president of the Federation of Citizens' Associations. The Carleton Foot Patrol, student-run and staffed, escorts individuals from anywhere on campus, to anywhere on or around campus. Over 350 volunteers participate in the program and make Carleton a safer community. Michael, a past president of OSCA is an active supporter of the Ottawa South Merchants Association, the Community Enterprise Centre and Freenet. Don & Sandra, former residents of the Glebe, now live in Ottawa South. Although relatively new in OS, Don & Sandra were very active in the Glebe and worked for many years on the Glebe Community Association executive. Don helped found the Great Glebe Garage Sale, is now in its 10th year.
Other recipients of Community Activism awards included George Falconer, Marjorie & Brian Lynch, Rob Quinn and Beatrice Raffoul, all from the Glebe, Gary Bellamy, formerly of Ottawa East, and Peter Fourney from Heron Park. Deputy Mayor Joan Wong was on hand to help present these awards.
Finally, an Honourary Whitton Award was given to Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Constable Dominic D'Arcy, Glebe resident, for his work with children's causes. The award was co-presented by Regional Councillor Brian McGarry.
Each Whitton Award winner received a certificate framed compliments of The Framing Experience and a corsage or boutonnière compliments of Select Roses. Programs were provided by Zippy Print.
The ceremony featured musical entertainment from the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra quartet and the very talented Glebe Collegiate Senior Band, directed by Rocco Romeo.
A reception followed with complimentary refreshments provided by Ogden Entertainment, The Fresh Kitchen Company, Labatt's, Molson's, Hillebrand Wines and Loblaws.
The event will be televised by Rogers Community 22, April 6, 9 pm and again on May 6 at 9 pm.