A tradition which began in the late 1980s will be renewed again this year as the community holds its 30th annual Senior Expo and Achievement Awards on Friday, June 16 at the Blenheim Recreation Centre.

Chatham-Kent Counc. Karen Herman, the planning committee chairperson, said, “The day is a showcase to demonstrate the many contributions of seniors throughout the municipality.”

“The contributions by seniors through volunteer efforts can’t be measured in just dollars,” she said. “They enrich our lives and our communities in too many ways to count.”

More than 500 persons attended last year’s event at which 50 seniors were recognized. The ceremony is sponsored by the municipality annually to the tune of $3,000.

Herman said the planning committee members include Elinor Mifflin, Linda Paling, Bobbi-Jo Ferren, Kathryn Vaneck, and Barb Ferren, as well as Councillors Frank Vercouteren and Trevor Thompson. “We are busy making preparations but require the help of the community at large in one key area”.

“Perhaps the most important aspect of the awards is that the process is totally community-based,” she said. “Nominations are made directly from community members so it’s a form of recognition by your peers.”

To be nominated, a person must be 60 years or older, reside in Chatham-Kent and have contributed to the community. “We ask for a brief description of what activity the nominee was involved with and how they helped,” Herman said. “It’s a very simple process. We don’t want any deserving person to be overlooked.”

Honourees receive Achievement Award Certificates from CK council, as well as from the Federal and Provincial governments. They are also greeted and thanked at this event by the Mayor and Council members, MPs, and MPPs.

Nomination forms can be found on the municipal website at www.chatham-kent.ca or the Chatham-Kent Senior Expo and Achievement Awards Facebook Page. Forms can also be found at CK Senior Centers, CK municipal centres, and libraries.