Municipality of Brockton Recognizes Volunteers and Presents Awards at 2025 Event

The Municipality of Brockton is fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals who generously donate their time and talents. Brockton prides itself on our caring and welcoming nature, which is embodied by all of our volunteers. The Municipality hosted our Volunteer Recognition Event on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Walkerton Community Centre to celebrate our Committees, Local Boards, and Service Clubs who are a valuable asset to the Municipality.

The Municipality also recognized Edward (Ted) Cobean on receiving the new Edward J. (Ted) Cobean Heritage Award, named in his honour, in recognition of his dedicated contributions to the promotion and preservation of Brockton’s heritage. Ted’s long-standing leadership and volunteerism is truly admirable, serving approximately 17 years on the Brockton Heritage Committee.

The Edward J. (Ted) Cobean Heritage Award recognizes an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of Brockton’s historical, cultural, nature and built heritage.

Ted has been a valuable resource for our community and visitors inquiring to learn more about their historic ties to Brockton. Ted maintained the Brockton Heritage Archive Collection inventory, participated in historic recognition events such as Doors Open, provided education to heritage property owners on the significance of their property, assisted in the development of programs and promotions including heritage murals and plaques, walking/driving tours and Brockton’s heritage storymap, and more.

Ted also serves as a member of Victoria Jubilee Hall, ensuring that the historic landmark continues to be treasured by our community. His knowledge and dedication is quite commendable and the Municipality is grateful for his advocacy efforts to preserve our heritage.

Please join us in congratulating Ted Cobean on receiving this new Heritage Award, dedicated in his honour.

The 2025 Outstanding Youth Awards were also presented at the Volunteer Recognition Event.

The Municipality and the Walkerton and District Optimist Club collaborated on the creation of the Outstanding Youth Award. The Outstanding Youth Award recognizes local youth for their efforts in the arts, athletics, academics and community service work, striving to make our community a better place to live and learn. This year’s award aligned with The Optimist Creed, and recognizing the dedication of youth outside of regular school, organized art and sports team requirements.

The following individuals received the 2025 Outstanding Youth Award: Leah Spitzig, Brighton Gauthier, and Chloe Knox.

• Leah Spitzig – for their involvement with St. Teresa of Calcutta District School organizing events with Student Council, sharing your positivity and enthusiasm with classmates and teammates, and boosting morale within the school through your positive outlook. Leah’s leadership, work ethic, and advocacy of mental health are greatly appreciated!
  
  
• Brighton Gauthier – for their involvement in Girl Guides, acting as a role model for young students, providing them with a safe and supportive environment. Brighton’s cheerful and inclusive attitude is recognized through their activities on Student Council and Door Duty at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School. Brighton’s quiet self-confidence and introspection is admirable, showing awareness for the needs of others and enthusiasm in contributing to a positive school climate.
  
  
• Chloe Knox – for their advocacy for fellow peers with exceptionalities. Chloe’s strength and resilience are valued, as well as their joyful attitude, often brightening others days by sharing crafts. Chloe’s volunteerism with Run 4 Health, breakfast clubs, and various children’s activities are greatly appreciated.

Please join us in congratulating Leah, Brighton, and Chloe on receiving this award!

The 2025 Good Neighbour Award was also presented at the Volunteer Recognition Event. The Brockton Good Neighbour award recognizes an individual who has displayed activities that embody a strong sense of values, promoting the positive impact of good neighbourly deeds and contribute to the vitality and fabric of the community.

The 2025 Brockton Good Neighbour Award nominees were: Sara Preston, Lance Rock, Tom Traversy, Dianne Waram, and Pennie Wilhelm.

• Sara Preston – for being a helping hand to community members, sharing knowledge in a kind and genuine manner, extending care to each individual, ensuring that everyone feels welcome, no matter the challenge they may face.
  
  
• Lance Rock – for their commitment to Brockton students through serving as a youth pastor with Walkerton Pentecostal Church, coaching high school track and field, assisting at The Big Door, shoveling snow or cutting grass for community members, and providing care to seniors at Brucelea Haven and check-ins at Tim Hortons. Lance has dedicated his time to connect with youth, including those who may feel lost, providing a compassionate and supportive environment, encouraging them to reach their full potential.
  
  
• Tom Traversy – for their various involvement with the Walkerton Golf and Curling Club, offering expertise to students as a curling instructor, aiding the Rotary Club of Walkerton with events such as the Reindeer Lounge, Wightman TV Bindo, touring students at the Roots of Bruce agricultural education experience, assisting the Walkerton Legion Branch 102 at events, further sharing his compassion for homeless veterans, using his musical talents to donate funds to Homes for Heroes, Women’s House Grey Bruce, Saugeen Hospice, and funding equipment to benefit St. Paul’s United Church and K’s Free Community Meals program. Tom has encompassed the Rotary Club’s motto “Service Above Self” extending the philosophy into all aspects of community involvement.
  
  
• Dianne Waram – for their dedicated volunteer contributions to Brockton’s community for over 4 decades, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to service across diverse organizations, including management of the Walkerton and District Foodbank for 11 years, active involvement with the Rotary Club of Walkerton for 10 years including the Midwestern Ontario Rotary Music Festival and Canada Day Celebrations. Dianne has also served with Home and Community Support, Bruce County Children’s Aid, and Kinette Club of Walkerton. Dianne’s compassion for others is evident, enhancing our community’s vitality, supporting our most vulnerable members, strengthening our support network, and enriching local culture and community spirit.
  
  
• Pennie Wilhelm – for serving over 30 years as a volunteer leader with Cargill District Community Foundation, 2024 Cargill Homecoming Committee, Chepstow Lions Club, St. Joseph’s C.W.L., Dirt Pigs, and the 2026 International Plowing Match Committee. Pennie’s active involvement, and strong organizational skills aid her fellow peers in planning events, and fundraising for various community groups. Pennie’s positive attitude and community spirit are greatly admired.

The Municipality of Brockton is proud to present the 2025 Brockton Good Neighbour Award to Pennie Wilhelm. Please join us in congratulating Pennie on receiving this year's award!

*Absent from the photo were Sara Preston and Tom Traversy

The Municipality extends our gratitude to everyone who submitted a Volunteer Recognition Award Nomination. The nominees represented a broad cross-section of our community, each passionately involved in helping to make Brockton a warm, welcoming and vibrant community.

Brockton Council and staff sincerely thank all of our volunteers who are a valuable asset to the Municipality, and we greatly appreciate your generous commitments to our community!