Owen Sound has recognized three citizens through its annual volunteer awards for their tireless contributions to the community.
At Monday’s council meeting, Owen Sound’s Volunteer of the Year, Senior of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year Awards for 2020 were honoured as councillors viewed a presentation ceremony that was recorded in advance due to Covid.
The individuals recognized are: Liz Zetlin (Volunteer of Year), Fred Geberdt (Senior of Year) and Lauren Radbourne (Youth Volunteer of Year).
“Our community would not be such an amazing place to live without all of the volunteers that make it all happen,” says Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy. “So many citizens provide their time, their insight and a helping hand, all while expecting very little in return.”
The Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association nominated Fred Geberdt for the Senior of the Year recognition.
Fred Geberdt, who had been fighting a lengthy battle with cancer, passed away on Tuesday afternoon. Geberdt’s son Chris had accepted the Senior of the Year recognition on his dad’s behalf.
“My dad was a doer. He loved the Salmon Spectacular; He loved the Sportsmen,” Chris says. “If we weren’t out picking up garbage, we were out planting trees, stocking fish or trying to promote the city at our many road shows we’ve done over the years. He loved this city. With my mom they settled in 1963 and raised five kids.”
“It’s just an amazing place and he would be really honoured to be here to accept the award,” Chris continues. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Geberdt volunteered with the Sydenham Sportsmen for over 30 years and was an integral contributor to the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular, taking on countless roles from advertising, public relations, sponsor day festivities and chairing meetings.
Mayor Boddy says Geberdt worked tirelessly most of his life as a conservationist to better the local environment for this community and future generations.
Zetlin, the Volunteer of the Year for 2020, was nominated for the award by Mary Ann Alton on behalf of Climate Action Team Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.
Boddy describes Zetlin as a continuous advocate for environmental issues, such as climate change, water and wastewater. She was also instrumental in establishing Owen Sound’s poet laureate program.
“This really is a wonderful honour,” Zetlin says in accepting the award. “… I’m really proud to live city that not only recognizes the huge volunteer capacity and so many dedicated people in this city, but also recognizes volunteers that tackle the difficult, challenging issues of our time. Climate change is one of those issues.”
Zetlin also applauded the efforts the city is taking to apply the climate change lens to its decision-making processes through the official plan update.
As for Radbourne, Owen Sound’s 2020 Youth Volunteer of the Year, she was nominated by Kelly Wilkins on behalf of Owen Sound Minor Lacrosse.
Mayor Boddy describes Radbourne as an exceptional local athlete who is involved with every aspect of the minor lacrosse organization — as a player, referee, coach, training clinic leader and executive member.
Radbourne was thankful for the recognition and says it is her pleasure and joy to coach kids.
“It’s one of my favourite things to do in the day,” Radbourne says. “Thank you very much.”
Owen Sound has recognized volunteers from community organizations for almost 45 years. Typically, the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year awards are given out annually in April. The Senior of the Year is usually named in June to coincide with Senior’s month.