Recognition for a lifetime of community service
From the left are Township of North Dundas Mayor Eric Duncan and Deputy Mayor Gerry Boyce, the 2017 Township of North Dundas Community Builder Award recipient Bill Smirle, and Councillors Tony Fraser, Al Armstrong and John Thompson, immediately following the presentation of the award to Smirle on Thurs., March 1, in Morewood.      Thompson Goddard photo

Carolyn Thompson Goddard
Record Correspondent
MOREWOOD – A lifetime of service to his community was recognized on Thurs., March 1, when Morewood resident Bill Smirle was presented with the 2017 Township of North Dundas Community Builder Award. Over 100 people gathered in the recently renovated Morewood Fire Station as Smirle was honoured for his work as an advocate for Winchester & District Memorial Hospital, the Old Town Hall, his church, and the South Nation Conservation, as well as combining teaching for the Ottawa Board of Education with farming – and the list goes on to include service with the local fire department, the Morewood Recreation Association, the Morewood United Cemetery, and his contributions to the Morewood Memorial Committee which holds an annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the Morewood Cenotaph.

Master of Ceremonies Township of North Dundas Councillor Al Armstrong explained the significance of this award and mentioned those honoured since its inception in 2008. Doug Thompson, speaking on behalf of SNC, mentioned the contributions of Smirle to that organization and its success, as well as ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association). Thompson was followed by remarks and presentations to Smirle by SDSG MPP Jim McDonell and Adrian Bugelli, Chief of Staff for MP Guy Lauzon.

After thanking Morewood Fire Chief Byers for hosting the event and Smirle’s wife Nancy for her dedication and community work, North Dundas Mayor Eric Duncan made note of the years of community service by Smirle – his role in the successful WDMH campaign “Renewing the Vision,” his service with the Fire Department, Morewood Recreation Association and the Morewood Memorial Committee which plans the Remembrance Day ceremonies in this community. As Duncan concluded his remarks, he described Smirle as a friend who has provided “sound advice, thoughtful advice” before thanking him “for all you do and will continue to do for your community.”

Smirle then spoke to the assembled group thanking his wife, family and friends, as well as the people who had worked with him over the years before commenting he was pleased to accept the 2017 Township of North Stormont Community Builder Award and “will treasure it.”