A Chatham woman involved in several organizations such as the Thamesville Sertoma Club, Home James, and the Legion has been recognized as Chatham-Kent's Senior of the Year.
Carolyn Powers was named this year's recipient during Monday night's council meeting. The award is typically handed out during the Senior Expo and Achievement Awards in Blenheim, however, this year's event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Powers has been an active volunteer with the Thamesville Sertoma for 20 years, she is heavily involved with the Camp Cataraqui Committee, and has worked with Master Sun to host foreign exchange students. She has also served on the Chatham Canada Day Committees, is a volunteer with Racing Against Drugs, and is a driver for Home James -- a seasonal operation which aims to get people home safely over the holidays so that there's no temptation to drive while impaired.
“Our seniors are an incredible resource,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “They are part of what makes Chatham-Kent amazing.”
Powers will receive the award in person at a later date. Provided current COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, a tentative date has been set for September 14 in Council Chambers.
Powers is one of 13 people recognized this year for their contributions and achieved goals. Biographies of those residents can be found through an attachment, provided by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
“The many seniors who volunteer in Chatham-Kent, and in particular those we are honouring, view their status as a senior as an asset,” said Councillor Mary Clare Latimer, Senior Expo committee chairperson. “These seniors understand the value of life experience and are driven to share this with their community.”
Over the past 33 years, more than 1,000 seniors or older adults have been recognized for their contributions within the municipality.
