Chatham’s Carolyn Powers earned Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year honours during last night’s council meeting.
Powers n has been a community volunteer her entire life and continues to contribute to the community by devoting her time to a number of causes. From her nearly 60 years in Scouting, to service club work, to drug and alcohol education to welcoming newcomers, she has been there for her community, according to municipal officials.
Powers is one of 13 adults age 55+ honoured this year for achieving significant goals and making outstanding contributions as volunteers within Chatham-Kent. She will be presented with her award in person Sept. 14 in council chambers, unless COVID-19 precautions force that to be pushed back further.
More than 1,000 citizens have been honoured since the awards began in Blenheim 33 years ago. The awards are traditionally presented during the Senior Expo held at the Blenheim Arena but that ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
Chatham-Kent Coun. Clare Latimer, Senior Expo committee chairperson, said all the honourees share an important trait.
“The many seniors who volunteer in Chatham-Kent, and in particular those we are honouring, view their status as a senior as an asset,” she said in a media release. “These seniors understand the value of life experience and are driven to share this with their community. What they do is an ongoing gift to their fellow citizens. Their attitude is awe-inspiring and it is a joy to watch and for others to share in their volunteer work and accomplishments.”
“Our seniors are an incredible resource,” concurred Mayor Darrin Canniff. “They are part of what makes Chatham-Kent amazing.”
