Morden Mayor Nancy Penner is congratulating the Morden Area Foundation's 2024 Citizen of Distinction, Shelly Voth. The champion for newcomers, and the City's Immigration Coordinator, will be officially recognized Sunday afternoon.
"Anyone knowing Shelley, she's one of those rare individuals who quietly goes about her work without seeking the spotlight, but we are so proud that Shelly is this year's Morden Area Foundation's Citizen of Distinction."
The honour will be celebrated at a public ceremony May 25th at 2:00pm at the Morden Activity Centre, with doors opening at 1:30pm. All are welcome to attend.
The Citizen of Distinction award has been a cornerstone of community recognition in Morden for years. Originally called Volunteer of the Year, the award has evolved to recognize broader contributions, including work within one’s profession like Voth.
Voth’s role as the Immigration Coordinator for the City of Morden has been nothing short of transformative. Her efforts in welcoming newcomers, fostering diversity, and building a stronger, more inclusive community have left a lasting mark.
“Shelly is that person who blends both her professional role and her volunteer efforts seamlessly,” said the Foundation's Lenore Laverty in an earlier interview with PembinaValleyOnline when Voth was announced as the 2024 recipient. “She’s been a critical part of our community’s development and diversity. It’s not just what she does in her job, it’s who she is in the community.”
Reflections on the passing of a community builder
Meanwhile, Mayor Penner is also reflecting on the recent loss of Dr. David Goerz who passed away May 11th. He was a community builder in a number of ways, including efforts at Minnewasta Golf and Country Club and through his practice and business at Boundary Trails Place.
"It was heartbreaking to hear of his sudden passing, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Helena and her family," stated the Mayor. "Dave was a big personality within the City of Morden with his work at Boundary Trails Place, getting that facility up and running, and then the eventual sale that happened in December. But also his work up at the golf course with the original timber frame building."
Penner added Dr. Goerz was, "a larger than life part of Morden's community, and quietly went along, and was a big impact to the community. He will be sorely missed."
The Celebration of Life for Dr. Goerz was Tuesday afternoon.
You can listen to the entire In the Mayor's Chair with Morden's Nancy Penner, below.