Todd Thompson named Bruce Power Citizen of the Year
By: Liz Dadson
October 13, 2024
Todd Thompson (above, right, with Calista Powell of Bruce Power) has been named the Bruce Power Citizen of the Year.
The award was one of 16 presented at the Community Achievement Awards, hosted by the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, Thursday night, at Ainsdale Golf Course.
Thompson was nominated for the award because he is a fixture at local events, always helping out where he can. A cancer survivor, he battled and won, and is now an advocate for men’s health, organizing the annual “Movember in September” golf tournament. To date, he has raised more than $114,000 for the Movember Foundation.
As he accepted the award, Thompson grinned and said, “This is the first award I’ve received that didn’t say ‘Most Improved.’
“When I started the Movember in September golf tournament, I never thought it would get this big. This year, we had 124 items on the silent auction table. People are always asking how they can help.
“I want to thank my mom and dad for teaching me the importance of giving back to my community. And I thank Tammy and the boys, and this wonderful, generous community – you’re what makes this so special.”
He said there are three things you must do to be successful:
- Surround yourself with a big group of friends
- Find a partner who makes you a better person
- Get yourself a new suit
“And I believe that famous quote: ‘Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in’. Thank you.”
Also nominated for Citizen of the Year, were Andrea Clarke and Krista Holtby.
The evening began with chamber board member Linda Bowers welcoming everyone to the event, followed by grace and dinner, with musical accompaniment by Greg Pahl.
Following the meal, Pat O’Connor of Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb’s office brought greetings and congratulated all the nominees.
Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson also congratulated everyone. “It’s great to be here to celebrate excellence, with these awards of achievement and recognition for so many people. Kincardine is growing, so keep doing what you’re doing. It matters; community matters.”
Bowers then presented a service award to Manny Page, and his wife, Tammy, in appreciation of his eight years as president of the chamber.
Linda Bowers (right), board member of the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, presents a service award to past-president Manny Page
Linda Bowers (left) of the chamber board presents a gift to Tammy and Manny Page in recognition of his eight years as president of the chamber
MC Mike Brough then took over, noting that the chamber received 150 nominations for the 16 awards. He welcomed a representative from each award sponsor to introduce the nominees and announce the winners.
The Jennifer Cook and Associates Co-operators Woman of Distinction award went to Wendy Cox.
Cox is an elder at her church and is one of the co-ordinators of the Kincardine and Area Good Food Box. She believes strongly in helping those in need, and has led clothing drives, assisted with the Coldest Night of the Year event and the Backpack Program, and the Good Food Box’s neighbour-to-neighbour initiative.
Also nominated, were Andrea Clarke and Jennifer Carey Hunter.
Jennifer Cook (left) presents the Woman of Distinction award to Wendy Cox who was absent; accepting is Rosemary Neilson
The Enbridge Quality of Life award went to the Swajan Samanvay Sanatan Centre.
The Swajan Samanvay Sanatan Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a vibrant community in the Grey-Bruce and Huron region. Its mission is all about blending the best of spirituality, diversity, environment and education to create an exciting tapestry of inclusivity, growth and shared values.
In accepting the award, Chandra Tripathi said the centre’s focus is on connecting people, breaking down barriers, and spreading the message of love. This is done through the annual Multicultural Celebration, and the Hindu Culture Open House, among other activities.
Also nominated, were Harbour Church and Kincardine Beach Safety.
Usman Bhatti (left) of Enbridge presents the Quality of Life award to Chandra Tripathi of the Swajan Samanvay Sanatan Centre
The Hammond Power Solutions Golden Apple award went to Christine Brown.
Brown is a certified lactation counsellor and prenatal educator. She is a mother of two, and it was her four-year-old who sparked her urge to bring more education to the perinatal world after feeling a bit lost during her birthing and feeding experience. Education and support can be very empowering and that’s her ultimate goal - to empower parents-to-be and postpartum parents through their journey.
Also nominated, were Graeme Donnelly and Rachel Lasek.
Tina Janssen (left) of Hammond Power Solutions presents the Golden Apple award to Christine Brown
The Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Environmental award went to Amanda Saxton.
Saxton is devoted to creating a sustainable future for youth and a healthy environment for future generations.
She said she is humbled to receive this award. “I love this community and building sustainability. It’s excellent to see the work that everyone is doing.”
Also nominated, were Kincardine Naturalization Projects and Kincardine Scouts.
Brent Fisher (left) of OPG presents the Environmental award to Amanda Saxton
The Nuclear Promise X (NPX) Good Neighbour award went to Wes Larson.
Six years ago, Larson opened Drop-in at the Bridge in downtown Kincardine. The centre welcomes all people while empowering those who are often marginalized, disadvantaged, and vulnerable. It gives people a safe place to relax, be themselves, and interact with others from all walks of life. It also provides a space to enjoy wonderful company, eat good food, learn more about local culture, and receive help navigating life.
In accepting the award, Larson said the strength of Drop-in at the Bridge is its dedicated volunteers who help out every single day. “We make sure people who don’t have a voice, can find theirs.”
Also nominated, were Todd Thompson and Wendy Cox.
Meagan Fair (left) of NPX presents the Good Neighbour award to Wes Larson
The Bruce Telecom Young Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Griffin’s Sweet Sensations.
This business is run by Olivia Griffin, 18, her sister, Sierra, 17, and brother, Cole, 16, along with the support of their parents, Larry and Tammy. The Griffins provide good baked goods for the community, and also donate part of their proceeds to charity.
Olivia thanked their parents who encourage them, no matter what.
Also nominated, were Jessica Haws of Second Wave Boutique and Lauren Morris of Cheesy Monkii.
Stephanie Brunato (left) of Bruce Telecom presents the Young Entrepreneur award to Olivia, Sierra and Cole Griffin of Griffin's Sweet Sensations
The Miller Insurance Agricultural Business award went to Grassroots Wood-Fired Pizza.
Grassroots Wood-Fired Pizza is located east of Lucknow, where three generations of the Morrison family live, work and play on the farm. They believe that farm living is a way of life, based on the seasons. It’s eating what’s growing in the garden in the summer and what’s been preserved in the winter. It’s enjoying sunrises with coffee in hand and falling asleep under a sky full of stars. It’s a home-grown lifestyle, and it doesn’t get any more authentic than this.
Also nominated, were Anderkin Foods Inc./Lazy J Ranch, and Robert’s Farm Equipment.
Amanda Farrell Walsh (left) of Miller Insurance presents the Agricultural Business award to Blair and Courtney Morrison of Grassroots Wood-Fired Pizza
The Andrea Clarke Law Offices Diversity, Equity and Inclusion award went to the Jennifer Carey Hunter.
Carey Hunter is an opera singer and has dedicated much of her life to diversity, equity and inclusion, and creating a welcoming community.
Also nominated, were Lorie Fioze and Mackenzie Clarke.
The Community Living of Kincardine and District Inclusion award went to Trillium Court Seniors’ Community.
Trillium Court is a retirement residence, offering care for independent seniors, as well as those requiring assisting living and long-term care. The staff is inspired by its residents to provide employment opportunities for everyone.
Also nominated, were No Frills and Shoppers Drug Mart.
Dakota Shewfelt (second from left) and Leisa Baird (centre) of Community Living of Kincardine and District present the Inculsion award to Trillium Court Seniors' Community, represented by executive director Stephanie Battler (left), Kim Bechard and Nicole Markham
The BDO Customer Service Excellence award went to Rosewood RVilla Senior Living.
Rosewood RVilla is a 51-bed retirement home in Ripley, built by Gary and Anita Rutledge in 1988. It provides exemplary care to its senior residents, maintains a safe and comfortable home, and offers many wonderful activities for the residents to enjoy.
General manager Cathy Pennington accepted the award on behalf of the excellent team at Rosewood RVilla. She said it’s a great retirement residence and people should stop in and check it out.
Also nominated, were Harbour Rose Boutique and Heritage Fire Company Inc.
Susan Cruickshank (left) of BDO presents the Customer Service Excellence award to Cathy Pennington, general manager of Rosewood RVilla Senior Living
The Municipality of Kincardine Tourism award went to the Kincardine Beach Safety.
Kincardine Beach Safety was established in 2023 as a group of concerned citizens, providing water safety information and education to the community. Meagan Fair accepted the award on behalf of the group and said it belongs to a lot of people, especially Blair Brajuha who gave significant input toward setting beach safety in motion.
Also nominated, were Elle’s Photography and Victoria Park Gallery.
Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig (left) presents the Municipality of Kincardine Tourism award to Kincardine Beach Safety, represented by Meagan Fair, Kevin Larson and Dave Lafortune
The Linda Bowers Century 21 In-Studio Realty Youth Programming Excellence award went to Brianne Waeijen.
Waeijen said her children are her inspiration for helping to plant trees and participating in the garlic mustard challenge, as well as volunteering with Kincardine Scouts and minor soccer. The Scout program is great for local youth and includes lots of adventures.
Also nominated, were Kala Stuckless and Kevin Larson.
Linda Bowers (right) of Centry 21 In-Studio Realty presents the Youth Programming Excellence award to Brianne Waeijen
The Superheat FGH Business Person of the Year award went to Todd Farrell of Millar Insurance Brokers.
Twenty-two years ago, Farrell came to Kincardine and started in the insurance business. He became president and held that role for six years. Miller Insurance has grown to 50 employees from 18, and to seven offices from three. Farrell coaches youth teams and is a member of the Rotary Club of Kincardine.
Also nominated, were Darrel Perry and Nicole Rae Ireland.
Becky Fair (left) of Superheat FGH presents the Business Person of the Year award to Todd Farrell of Miller Insurance, who was absent; accepting, is his colleague, Stacey Millar
The Shoreline Classics FM Business of the Year award went to West Coast Catering.
Chef Alexandre Lussier owns and operates West Coast Catering in Kincardine. He believes in working with local talent, and purchasing from local vendors in order to bring exceptional quality to his customers.
In accepting the award, Lussier said that when he started the business five years ago, he had a lot of support from many people. He thanked his staff members for their hard work, dedication and passion. And he thanked his many customers and the community for all the great support.
Also nominated, were Ainsdale Golf Course and MicroAge Basics.
Roland Archer (left) of Shoreline Classics presents the Business of the Year award to Alex Lussier of West Coast Catering
The Kincardine BIA Downtown Ambassador award went to Darrel Perry.
Perry owns and operates Penetangear in downtown Kincardine and just celebrated 10 years in business. He is very active in the downtown and believes in working together for the betterment of the community.
Also nominated, were Bruce Steakhouse and Shoreline Classics Radio.
Amanda Goetz (left) of Lakeside Downtown Kincardine presents the Downtown Ambassador award to Darrel Perry
At the end of the evening, Brough paid tribute to Kincardine councillor Doug Kennedy who died in August. “He was a great man who helped the community hugely.”
Greg Pahl entertains at the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce Community Achievement Awards gala
John McManus (left) of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band plays the pipes as people gather for the gala; Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson congratulates all the nominees
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