Holmes receives Citizen of the Year Award

December 22, 2015 · 0 Comments

When Greg and Heather Holmes were invited to join the Lions’ Club for their annual Christmas dinner and carolling at the Dufferin Oaks December 16th, they had no idea what the organization had in store for them. Jim and Jean Cheyne, long time members of Shelburne Lions’ Club, presented the couple, known across the area for their outstanding commitment to volunteerism, with the Lion’s Citizens of the Year Award for 2015.
“As we help the Lions’ Club with their events, we felt this was why we had been invited,” said Heather about the surprise. “We appreciate the acknowledgment receiving the award, although it isn’t why we do what we do. We volunteer because we enjoy helping our community – you get to meet a lot of people and have a lot of fun.”
Jean Cheyne, who says the award, which is not given every year, was “an honour” to present to Greg and Heather for their outstanding service to Shelburne and the community. In her presentation, Mrs. Cheyne praised the Holmes’ for their store Holmes’ Appliances and Music Store, one of the longest running businesses on Main Street in Shelburne, as well as their many volunteer activities.
She named some of their volunteer work, a long list, which included: the Business Improvement Association with events like Heritage Day and the Farmer’s Market; the Economic Development Committee; Town of Shelburne Events, such as the Santa Claus Parade and Canada Day celebrations; the Shelburne Fair – setting up mics at different events; supplying sound and entertainment for the Worm Charming Competition; Greg’s band and his leadership with the Shelburne Fiddlers playing for the community on many occasions; coordinating musical Jamborees at the CCDRC and Legion several times a year, as well as jamborees outside of Shelburne; and entertaining residents of Dufferin Oaks with music.
She also made special note of Pickin’ in the Park, the very successful annual music event held at Fiddle Park which the couple founded and continue to organize every year. During Fiddle Contest week, Mrs. Cheyne said, “The Town, the Rotary Club, the Lions and Kinsmen all lean towards Greg and Heather for help.” On top of all of this, the Holmes’ store is known as the “Ticket Master” for Shelburne – graciously selling tickets for many years.
“No matter who is selling tickets for an event, they are available at Holmes’ Appliances and Music Store,” said Jean Cheyne. “Greg and Heather are always ready to receive visitors who are waiting on their wives, putting in some time, or just stopping by to find out what’s new for the day.”
Heather told the Free Press, “Volunteering is something that many people have not done, but should do – it helps them appreciate what is available within their community.
As our town continues to grow, and activities and events are wanted and expected by all citizens, we must realize that it is not our local government’s job to provide these. It is up to individuals or groups of people to take an idea and turn it into reality.”
The couple says, that for people who want to help, many of the service clubs would welcome assistance with established events such as Shelburr Fest, Heritage Days & Car Show, the Fiddle Contest, Pickin’ in the Park, Canada Day, and the Santa Claus Parade.”
Greg and Heather Holmes send their thanks and praise out to the Shelburne Lions’ Club for the work the club does for Shelburne. “The Lions Club provides a lot of community service,” said Heather, “whether funding programs in the schools, or helping with costs associated with community sports teams, events and seniors’ activities.” She noted that the organization was a great supporter of Pickin’ in the Park, and at the Christmas dinner on Wednesday evening the Lions were still at work “finalizing their part in assisting with the Christmas Hamper program.”

By Marni Walsh