Ramara Celebrates Community Spirit at Annual Awards Ceremony

The Ramara Centre buzzed with energy on the evening of October 20, 2023, as nearly 80 residents gathered to celebrate the recipients of the Ramara Awards. This year’s turnout, described by Mayor Basil Clarke as potentially the largest ever, highlighted the community’s appreciation for those who contribute to making Ramara a thriving place to live.

During the event, Mayor Clarke expressed gratitude to the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to local initiatives. He emphasized the significance of the awards in recognizing the valuable contributions of individuals within the community.

Honouring Community Champions

Among the honorees were Annalynn Faulkner and Paul Grunsten, who received the Spirit of Ramara award. Nominated by their peers on the trails committee, both individuals were acknowledged for their unwavering commitment to improving the local trail system. Faulkner, a founding member of the committee, has been instrumental in advocating for trail development since 2003.

Reflecting on her journey, Faulkner recalled the early days of seeking funding through grants and support from local businesses. “I was doing the thank-you notes and cookies,” she noted, highlighting her collaborative efforts with Grunsten, who played a vital role in planning and resource management.

The evening took a poignant turn with the posthumous recognition of Jane Lee, who was nominated for the Ramara Wall of Fame by the Brechin-Mara Legion. Her husband, Barry Lee, accepted the award on her behalf, sharing heartfelt memories of her dedication to community service.

Barry Lee expressed his overwhelming pride, stating, “She did do a lot for the community and everybody around her, and squeezed us (her family) in there, too.” He recounted Jane’s ability to rally support for charitable causes, reminiscing about a Christmas when she insisted on distributing his gift cards to those in need, leaving him with only one for himself.

A Legacy of Service

The event highlighted the profound impact of community service on local life. Janet Banfield, a fellow member of the trails committee, spoke warmly of Jane’s generosity, recalling how her enthusiasm often inspired others to contribute. “She would kind of volun-tell you what you were going to do,” Banfield remarked, her admiration evident.

Larry Barton, chair of the trails committee, described the gathering as “wonderful” and praised both Faulkner and Grunsten as exemplary recipients of the awards. He recognized Faulkner’s relentless dedication and Grunsten’s engineering expertise, noting that their combined efforts have significantly enhanced the local environment.

Councillor Dana Tuju affirmed the importance of such recognitions, stating, “It’s always nice to be recognized, but I don’t need to be.” This sentiment reflects the spirit of volunteerism that drives many residents to contribute without seeking personal accolades.

According to a recent news release from the township, the Ramara Wall of Fame and Spirit of Ramara awards celebrate individuals who have positively impacted Ramara through leadership and community service. Their achievements serve as a reminder of the values that continue to strengthen and inspire the township.

For more details about the Ramara Awards and this year’s recipients, visit ramara.ca/awards.