Original appeared in The OSCAR, February 1992.
More than 200 people turned out to honour their friends and neighbours at the First Annual Whitton Awards Ceremony on Feb. 2.
A total of 22 people were given awards to acknowledge their dedication and commitment to the community.
The event was organized by City Councillor, Jim Watson to honour volunteers and community leaders who give of their time to improve the quality of life in community.
"I was pleased to see so many people out to support their friends and peers. I am always amazed by the commitment and dedication of the people in the community," said Watson.
Among the Whitton Award recipients were 13 residents of Ottawa South.
Fran Mowbray and Randi Cherry were given awards in the category of environment. Fran is a spokesperson for Rideau RiverWatch and is a former environment rep for the Ottawa South Community Association. Randi is involved with Earthwise Players and runs an organic food co-op from her home.
The awards in this category were co-presented by Michel Protti, co-president of the Glebe Collegiate students' council. Watson said he chose a young person to help present the awards because young people will be so drastically effected by how we treat our earth.
"There is a Haidi nation expression that says we do not inherit the earth, we simply borrow it from our children," said Watson.
Elaine Vacher was honoured for her ongoing involvement in the business community. Elaine is the manager of Tallmire Fashions and was one of the founders of Friends of Lansdowne Park. She also helped organize campaigns around shopping Canadian and Sunday shopping.
Mark Sutcliffe, a Glebe resident & Editor of the Ottawa Business News co-presented the awards in this category.
In the area of arts and culture artist Brodie Shearer was given an award for his achievements as a painter and sculptor. He teaches from a studio in his home and an exhibit of more than 50 years of his work was recently displayed at Arts Court. Celia Franca, co-founder of the National Ballet and Glebe resident was on hand to help present this award.
Seven individuals were honoured for their involvement in providing sports and recreation programs. Jan & Keith Willis for their seven year commitment to the Minor Hockey Association; Peter Biesterfield because of his efforts as co-ordinator of the house league soccer program; Bonnie and Larry Ostler for organizing the Ottawa South Neighbourhood run and Leslie Roster for her work as one of the founders of the Glebe Little League baseball.
Bob Pilon was given an award (posthumously) for his commitment to the soccer league in Ottawa South. Bob died last spring of cancer and his efforts are clearly missed by the community. His wife Sue Pisterman and daughter, Morgan Pilon accepted the award on his behalf.
In the category of community activism Lynn Graham & David Webber were given awards. David is a past president of OSCA, leads a Boy Scout Pack, is on the Board of the Perley Hospital and is an active member of Southminister United Church. Lynn is active with Hopewell School and has been working with the Ottawa Board of Education to increase community space in Ottawa South and is a former OSCA Board member. Ottawa Mayor Jacquelin Holzman co-presented the awards in this category.
The Whitton Awards were named after Ottawa's first woman Mayor, Charlotte Whitton who was also an alderman in Capital Ward.
The ceremony featured music from the Glebe Collegiate Stage Band, St. Matthew's Church Ladies and Girls Choir, Dominic D'Arcy from the Ottawa Police and a string quartet of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra.
The event was held in assembly Hall at Lansdowne Park. Food and beverages were donated by local businesses.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were several current city councillors, former councillors for capital Ward and former Mayor Marion Dewar, Mac Harb, M.P., Dalton McGuinty, M.P.P., and representatives from Carleton University and the various community associations in Capital Ward.
The Whitton Awards will now become an annual event.