Clinton Citizen of the Year
A wine and cheese reception was held in the Clinton Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 4 to recognize the contributions of volunteers and to announce the 2016 Citizen of the Year.
Emcee Val Bissat welcomed everyone and asked Mayor Jim Rivett to come up and offer a few words. He stressed the importance of volunteers and the time they put into making Clinton a better place for everyone. His sentiments were echoed by MLA Jackie Tegart and TNRD Area “E” director Sally Watson.
The 2015 Clinton Citizen of the Year, Zee Chevalier, was called up to introduce the 2016 recipient. She started off by also stressing the importance of volunteers to the community.
She described the 2016 recipient as a tireless worker who has put in countless hours helping many groups. He has designed parade floats, judged floats, volunteered with the fire department, the curling club, and the RCMP, has worked on the Kelly Lake picnic area and dock, cleared hiking trails, and cleaned up wilderness areas. She described him as being involved in all things outdoors: ski trails, big buck contest, fishing derbies, etc.
“As is often the case,” Chevalier added, “he has always had a loyal supporter working with him.” This supporter has also volunteered a great deal of her time, most notably with the Clinton Health Care Auxiliary.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce the 2016 Citizens of the Year as Rolly and Carol Higginbottom,” Chevalier concluded.
As they came up to receive their plaque, flowers, and more, many of the Higginbottoms’ family members appeared from a back room to surprise the couple.
A visibly shaken Rolly took the mic to thank everyone and remind attendees that in 1993 another Higginbottom—Rolly’s brother Edgar—was named the citizen of the year. Carol added her thanks to those who had nominated them.
Congratulations to both, and thank you for all the time you put into making the Village of Clinton the fine community it is.
Let the party begin
Following the announcement of the Citizen(s) of the Year, it was time to draw for door prizes. There were several generous sponsors for the volunteer recognition reception; many local businesses and individuals donated, as well as some from 100 Mile House.
The first prize to be drawn was a weekend for two at Echo Valley Guest Ranch, and the lucky winner was Lily Barnett. Several gift certificates, gift cards, and more were drawn for, and then it was all about visiting and having a good time.
Kudos to the Spirit of Clinton Committee and the volunteer organizers for making it a fun-filled evening.
St. Patrick’s Day tea
The Clinton Museum Society will host a St. Patrick’s Day tea at the museum from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 17. Admission is free, so plan to come and enjoy tea and fellowship and have a look around the museum.
Clinton Health Care Auxiliary
The Clinton Health Care Auxiliary meeting has been moved to Tuesday, March 21 at 1:30 p.m. in the Clinton Health Centre. More members are needed to keep this important organization going.
Wild Game banquet
The Clinton and District Outdoor Sportsmen Association will hold a Wild Game banquet at the Clinton Memorial Hall on Saturday, April 22. Tickets always go fast for this event, so if you plan to attend contact Rolly Higginbottom at (250) 459-2487, Sandi Burrage at (250) 852-1203, or Robin Fennell at (250) 314-7602.
