WILLIAMSTOWN – A woman described as a friend, mentor and champion for those in need is South Glengarry’s Citizen of the Year.
Patricia “Tish” Humphires was bestowed the honour during the South Glengarry 11th Annual Business & Community Awards Gala at the Char-Lan Recreation Center Saturday night.
Humphries is the president of the Beyond 21 board of directors since 2011 after going through the challenges of raising a child with special needs – and recognizing the lack of support once those children reach 21.
Under Tish’s board leadership, Beyond 21 has received two provincial grants, which has allowed the program to grow from serving five families to 34 families in SD&G.
Humphries graduated as a registered nurse in 1977 and lives with her husband, Ralph, and their four children on a farm on Highway 34, north of Lancaster.
Also receiving awards Saturday night were:
- Community Service Award – Sue Harrington – known as the voice of Williamstown in the Glengarry News until her recent retirement, she has worked tirelessly in the community. Sue has a long association with the Williamstown Fair.
- Business of the Year – Tim Hortons, South Lancaster – the location will be celebrating its 10th year in business in June and is a supporter of community events, sponsoring soccer equipment for local soccer leagues. Also a supporter of Habitat for Humanity through their Smile Cookie campaign, as well as the Legion Poppy Campaign.
- Entrepreneur of the Year – Donald and Sylvie Longtin – bought Henderson’s grocery store in Lancaster in 2015 and gave it a makeover. Their son, Champ, has completed a meat cutting course and will be joining the store as an apprentice butcher.
- Excellence in Agriculture – Ron Brennan, Old 4th Hop Yard – moved to a farm in Williamstown in 2009 after working in Ottawa. Starting training to grow hops as a new career to fill a need for nearby Beau’s Brewery in Vankleek Hill.
- Youth Merit Award – Phillip Veilleux – A grade 12 student at Le Relais high school in Alexandria, Phillip shows perseverance, dedication and a strong work ethic. Nominated as student of the year three years in a row. With a passion for sports, Phillip has been captain or assistant captain in soccer, volleyball and hockey. He played for the Char-Lan Rebels the last two years. He plans to go to Concordia University to study urban planning.