Harry Courtis has been named Wallaceburg’s 2021 Chip Gordon Citizen of the Year.
The honour, handed out by the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce is one of the final two awards announced this week as part of the Business and Community Excellence Awards.
“It comes almost naturally to me,” Courtis says. “My parents were huge supporters of the community and I heard many many times if you’re going to be a member of your community, you need to do more than just take up a spot.”
Courtis has been a Kinsmen for more than 15 years and a coach with the Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association for 12 years. He serves as a Sunday School teacher and is credited with creating the WAMBO ‘about town’ tractor shuttle and the Remembrance Day veterans’ shuttle from WDSS to the cenotaph. Courtis has been involved in the Sydenham Community Curling Club for 30 years, currently serving as past president.
Also honoured today, Linda Nethery with the Wallaceburg BIA award. Nethery has been a teacher and guidance counselor at WDSS since 2007. Last year, she launched a horticulture program to teach hands-on skills to students and show the significance of environmental stewardship and sustainability, and the importance of locally grown food.
“We’re always looking to do new things with the students, especially activities that are hands-on where we can make those community connections,” Nethery says. “We came up with this idea and thought what a great thing…to teach the kids that experiential learning opportunity, get out in the community and give back.”
Students from four classes now volunteer around Wallaceburg, sprucing up the BIA gardens and flower boxes throughout the year, including a community garden box at WDSS. Over a dozen local organizations partner with Nethery and her horticulture program, including the BIA, Sydenham Field Naturalists, St Clair Conservation Authority, and Walpole Island First Nation, among others.
Full list of 2021 Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Excellence Award Winners:
Agricultural
Pretty Road Co. Farm Store
Industrial Achievement
Wallaceburg Bookbinding & Mfg. Co. Ltd.
Technology
Cathy Cogghe (Wallaceburg Wellness Centre)
Young Professional
Shelby Pearce
Volunteer of the Year
Chris Taylor
Community Inclusion
The Popcorn Barn (DeBot Farms)
Business of the Year
Wallaceburg Jersey Dairy Ltd.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Barbara McCaughrin
Chip Gordon Citizen of the Year
Harry Courtis
Wallaceburg BIA
Linda Nethery