Tecumseh looking for nominations to recognize members of the community with four awards

The Town of Tecumseh is seeking nominations to recognize members of the community with four awards. 

Applications are being accepted for the Dr. Henri Breault Community Excellence Award, the Donald "Donny" Massender Memorial Volunteer Award, the Senior of the Year Award, and Youth of the Year Award.

Dr. Henri Breault was born in Tecumseh in 1909, he attended the University of Ottawa and the University of Western, interned at Hotel Dieu Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Michigan before opening his own practice. Dr. Breault developed the 'Palm N' Turn Safety Cap' on prescription bottles alongside the Windsor Poison Control Centre to help solve the problem of childhood poisoning

Donny Massender was an employee of the Town of Tecumseh with the Public Works and Water Department for 28 years and a 33 year member of the Tecumseh Fire and Rescue Services Department. He was also a diligent volunteer, having been a past president with the Tecumseh Goodfellows.

The Senior of the Year Award and the Youth of the Year Award is awarded to those who have enriched the social, cultural or civic life of the community that has ultimately benefited the citizens of the Town without thought of personal or financial gain. 

Gary McNamara, Tecumseh Mayor, says Dr. Henri Breault Community Excellence Award is for those who have done outstanding work in the town.

"The Henri Breault Award, that is an award that's given to an individual, or individuals, that have done outstanding work in the municipality. You know, you've got the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, the Breault Award is that standard."

He says the Donald "Donny" Massender Memorial Volunteer Award if for those who go above and beyond with volunteering. 

"The Donny Massender Volunteer Award, those individuals that have on many occasions volunteered and have given their time for the community. It's in recognition. So, it's an opportunity for us to recognize those in the community that have gone above and beyond in volunteering for many causes."

He says the Youth of the Year Award is to the youth who have given back. 

"The Youth Award is for youth that have expressed giving back to the community at their level. It's also an opportunity for us to recognize our youth in the community in the good deeds that certainly they have done."

He says the Senior of the Year Award is given to seniors who offer their time and services.

"We do the Senior Award in conjunction also with the provincial Senior of the Year Award. It's individuals, the seniors in the community, and we have many that continue to offer their time and certainly their service to the community."

McNamara says Tecumseh has been blessed with many volunteers. 

"Certainly council has put these awards up for quite a few years and it's always a wonderful opportunity for us to thank our volunteers, and our community. We've been blessed over the years with many volunteers, and at the end of the day that's what really builds a real strong and great community."

The deadline for the Dr. Henri Breault Community Excellence Award, the Donald "Donny" Massender Memorial Volunteer Award, and Youth of the Year Award is Friday, February 17.

The Senior of the Year Award deadline is Tuesday, February 28.

Those wanting to nominate a resident can visit the Town of Tecumseh website and fill out the Award Application Form online.

Winners of the awards will be announced in April.