SouthShoreNow.ca

John Cunningham
Lighthouse staff

 BRIDGEWATER - Deputy Premier Don Downe told 58 volunteers, representing municipalities across the province, that "giving is a way of life" in Nova Scotia.

 "Our communities continue to flourish because of volunteers like yourselves," he said at the 25th Volunteer Awards Day ceremonies held this year in Bridgewater as part of the town's 100th anniversary commemorations.

 Mr. Downe, who is the MLA for Lunenburg West, told the volunteers this province has more volunteers than any other jurisdiction in the country. The average volunteer contributes three hours of time a week to these unpaid activities and for most volunteers the time commitment is much greater than that, he said.

 He said that Nova Scotia's volunteering spirit was particularly recognized in the days following the tragic September 2 crash of Swissair Flight 111.

 Mr. Downe said as he travels in the United States and elsewhere, he hears the comment "you must be so proud of the people of Nova Scotia"

 These volunteer efforts were seen around the world, Mr. Downe said. "We gave because we wanted to."

 Five honoured

 Five volunteers from Lunenburg County were chosen to represent their communities at the awards ceremony. Honoured were Barbara Risser, representing the Town of Lunenburg; Kay Davis, representing the Town of Bridgewater; Cy Fear, representing the Town of Mahone Bay; Catherine Bell, representing the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg; and James Meisner, representing the Municipality of the District of Chester.

 One-by-one these volunteers, and the 53 others from across Nova Scotia, made their way to the podium while Bridgewater Centennial Committee chairman Kevin Marlin read out the citations which accompanied their awards.

 Barbara Risser was recognized for, among other things, her many years of service in support of the Lunenburg Craft Festival. She also co-ordinates the summer entertainment programs on the Lunenburg bandstand. Her many other activities include the Fisheries Exhibition and Reunion, the hospital's ladies auxiliary and the annual Bowl for Dollars campaign.

These six volunteers from Lunenburg County were among 58 from across Nova Scotia honoured April 14 at the province's 25th Volunteer Awards Day ceremonies held this year in Bridgewater. Shown are, front row, left to right, Kay Davis, Bridgewater; Barbara Risser, Lunenburg; and Catherine Bell, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Back row, left to right, are James Meisner, Municipality of the District of Chester; Major (Rtd.) Cy Fear, Mahone Bay; and Bridgewater Mayor Ernie Bolivar, who accepted the volunteer community of the year award on behalf of Bridgewater.

 Kay Davis has served in executive positions with home and school associations in Pentz, Dayspring and Hebbville. From 1985 to 1988, she served on the town's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission and for two years was chairman. She was the first woman elected president of the Kiwanis-Bluenose Golden "K" Club, and, served three years on the board of governors for senior wheels and today is Lieutenant-Governor for District 20.

 Cy Fear has been an active member of the Mahone Bay Branch #49 of the Royal Canadian Legion for 27 years. He has held many positions including that of president. Through his involvement with the legion, Mr. Fear has been an important representative working on a great number of community projects such as the construction of the town's bandstand and comfort stations.

 Catherine Bell, of Petite Riviere, has been actively involved with youth as a Sunday school teacher, vocational Bible school teacher, Guide leader and as a founding member of the Moms, Pops and Tots organization. Catherine is also involved with home and school and is a classroom volunteer and co-ordinator of special events at the elementary school.

 James Meisner, of Blandford, is a 77-year-old Second World War veteran who is a member of the museum committee for the Blandford and Area Historical Society. He is a legion member, a founding member of the IOOF Junior Lodge, a phone operator for the fire department and, for the past five years, a member for the community centre board of directors. He is also a member of the Aspotogan Recreation Association, president of the Blandford Seasiders Senior Citizens Club and a member of the Lunenburg County Seniors Council.

 Town honoured

 Bridgewater Mayor Ernie Bolivar had the honour of accepting the Model Volunteer Community of the Year award for his town.

 Bridgewater was chosen by Recreation Nova Scotia because of "the town's excellent history in support of volunteers in the community," the citation said.

 "Volunteers have co-operated extensively as a community on numerous projects that have enhanced the lives of those living in Bridgewater," the document said.

 "For 15 years, the Town of Bridgewater through the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission has actively co-ordinated a community volunteer ceremony," said the citation.

 "For the past 10 years, Bridgewater has come together to plan, organize and implement a special Canada Day celebration. The town's volunteer committee has been planning for centennial year celebrations and the town is very pleased to be hosting Provincial Volunteer Week, which runs from April 18 to the 24.