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Darrel O’Shaughnessy of Arnprior was recognized as the winner of the individual category of the Warden’s Community Services Awards. Taking part in the award presentation (from left) were County Councillor Dan Lynch, Town of Arnprior; Betty O’Shaughnessy; Darrel O’Shaughnessy; Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon and County Councillor Mark MacKenzie, Township of McNab/Braeside.
RELEASE DATE:
January 27, 2023
The County of Renfrew presented the 2022 Warden’s Community Service Awards, recognizing an individual, not-for-profit sector and for-profit business at the January 25, 2023 session of County Council. These awards are a meaningful way to recognize and thank the recipients for their numerous community contributions.
The recipient of the individual award was Darrel O’Shaughnessy of Arnprior, the Eganville Leader was honoured in the business category and the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) was recognized in the not-for-profit category.
Mr. O’Shaughnessy, a lifelong volunteer and constant force for positive change in the Greater Arnprior community, was nominated by Arnprior Mayor Lisa McGee.
Over the years, Mr. O’Shaughnessy has brought his passion for volunteerism and tremendous leadership to various causes including the Arnprior Dragon Boat Club, Greater Arnprior Seniors Council, Seniors Active Living Centre, Men's Shed and the Town's Corporate Services Advisory Committee, among many others.
The Eganville Leader was nominated by William Enright, who highlighted the newspaper’s positive impact on the community through various fundraising efforts. Most recently, Eganville Leader publisher Gerald Tracey and a team of volunteers organized an event in June 2022 to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the newspaper which served as a fundraiser for the Ukraine. The event raised $110,000; $80,000 of which was presented to the Ukrainian Ambassador to be forwarded to UNITED24, an initiative started by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to assist with needs in the country, with the remaining $30,000 staying in Renfrew County to assist Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war who have settled in the County.
The Eganville Leader was honoured with the Warden’s Community Service Award in the business category for organizing a fundraiser for Ukraine last summer. Taking part in the award presentation (from left) were fundraiser organizing committee members Zig Mintha, Tetyana Moiseyeva, Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon, Eganville Leader Publisher Gerald Tracey and William Enright, who prepared the award nomination.
OVCATA, a volunteer group providing a voice for cyclists and all active transportation enthusiasts in the Ottawa Valley advocating for safe and good conditions, bringing people together and encouraging participation, was nominated by Gerry Morris of Pembroke and McNab/Braeside Deputy Mayor Lori Hoddinott.
In 2022, OVCATA made a big impact with some big activities – the Trail Town Relay, the Tour de Bonnechere, the Tour de Whitewater, and its own unique Bike Bank of Renfrew County. Volunteers from across Renfrew County collected, refurbished and distributed 44 bikes to local residents who needed them during the second year of operation for the Bike Bank.
Following the presentation of the awards, Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their numerous contributions which help improve and strengthen the quality of life we all enjoy in the Ottawa Valley
“We have some very generous people who have donated time, thought and effort to improving our communities. We are very fortunate to have them working with us and for us on different initiatives across Renfrew County,” he said.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski also attended the Warden’s Community Service Awards, speaking about the contributions of the recipients and presenting them with certificates of appreciation.
The Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) was recognized with the Warden’s Community Service Award in the not-for-profit category. Taking part in the award presentation were (front from left) County Councillor Keith Watt, OVCATA members Bob Peltzer, Andy Kalnins and Debbie Macdonald, Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon, OVCATA cochair Ron Moss, County Councillor Debbi Grills, former County Councillor Bob Sweet and (back from left) County Councillors Gary Serviss, Rob Weir, Dan Lynch and Michael Donohue.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Craig Kelley Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk 613-735-7288
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
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