in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
November 26, 2024
BY JOHN BUTLER — The Egremont Optimist Community Centre on the outskirts of Holstein in Southgate Township glittered with decorations and congratulations on Saturday November 23 as JunCtian Community Initiatives (JCI) held its annual Men of Distinction Gala. The event was emceed by JCI Founder and Southgate Councillor Joan John, assisted by Southgate Deputy Mayor Barbara Dobreen. JCI is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering the community — Southgate and environs — by delivering positive services and social programs. “The JCI volunteers who organized this evening’s gala are glad to help celebrate the many men who make their community a lovely and lively place to live,” said JCI Board Vice Chair Lynn Silverton.
About eighty people at the event saw JCI award trophies presented to 22 men and boys, and attendees enjoyed a Caribbean-themed buffet dinner, live music by local instrumentalists and vocalists, and dancing to top off the evening. Certificates of appreciation to award recipients from Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff were also presented during the ceremony.
Men of Distinction awards comprised seven categories. Awards for Excellence in Humanities were given to Heiner Philipp and Ken Smith; awards for Excellence in Arts and Media were presented to Jeff Wilson and Mervyn Cockfield; awards for Excellence in Business went to Wayne Billings and Jason Prieb; the Excellence in Public Service award was received by Southgate Mayor and Grey County Warden Brian Milne; awards for Excellence In Community Service were given to Rayburn Love and Wayne Burns; awards For Excellence in Health and Wellness Outreach were presented to Geoff Van Geem and Les Franks; and Awards for Excellence in Leadership and Inspiration went to Kirk Johnson and to Not My Fault Band (Dan McCann, Willie Smith, Brad Royce and Chad Aiken.)
Silver Eagle awards, recognizing resilient boys already making a mark in their communities, were given to Elijah Dumas and Jadon Gyimah. JCI Advocacy Volunteer awards, recognizing individuals who contribute their time and energy for the benefit of all through JCI’s programs, were presented to Ekele Iheakor, Daniel Johnson, Lindell Roberts and Charles Gyimah.
In their brief acceptance speeches, many recipients pointed out that their achievements were only possible because of like-minded family, friends and community partners.
Said Joan John, “November 19 was International Men's Day, and its theme for 2024 was ‘Positive Male Role Models.’ Every year, JCI celebrates how our communities live up to this theme through their role models, both men and women.” JCI also holds a Women of Distinction awards ceremony each year in conjunction with International Women’s Day, observed each March.
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