Norwood names Doreen Allen-Bell senior of the year
Since moving to the village in 2002, she’s been active in a wide range of community efforts
For many people in Norwood and beyond the name Doreen AllenBell will be a familiar one and for all the right reasons. In the general scheme of “Norwood things” Doreen could be considered a relative newcomer to the village, moving to the town in 2002, but her energy, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to get involved and to improve and enhance her adopted home soon earned her the respect and appreciation of her fellow residents.
Doreen’s long list of community involvements was recognized by Deputy Mayor Roger Bonneau during Asphodel Norwood’s Canada Day Celebrations on July 1 where the very surprised “Norwoodian” was presented with the 2018 Senior of the Year Award.
One of the first organizations that Doreen joined was Norwood Community Care, serving in a variety of functions until “retiring” in 2009. I highlighted retiring as Doreen now volunteers for Community Care and continues to help in the office as well as with their various fundraising projects.
In 2004 she joined the Horticultural Society, where she continues to be a very active member participating in most flower shows as well as serving in the role of secretary for the last few years.
Doreen’s enthusiasm for horticulture no doubt made the idea of a town beautification committee a no-brainer; She helped get it off the ground in 2008. Many of the beautification committee’s projects that Doreen has been involved with can be found around the village, including many public gardens, flower planters and hanging baskets, benches and garbage receptacles around the village. Other projects that Doreen has and continues
to help with include the Christmas lighting program and storefront decorating, Halloween pumpkin carving contests and the welcome signs as you enter the village.
Doreen also helped to initiate and co-chaired the tree program that has taken place around the fairgrounds and the community centre. Trees were sponsored by groups or individuals in memorial of someone or to celebrate a
special achievement. In the last few years a total of 88 trees have been planted commemorating our community residents, organizations and heritage.
Doreen is also a keen supporter of many other community events including, the United Church's annual strawberry supper, Masonic beef barbecues, community christmas carol sing, the Norwood Fair and so on.
Deputy Mayor Rodger Bonneau compared Doreen to the Energizer Bunny and award or not this humble lady will no doubt just keep going, helping to improve and enhance the Asphodel-Norwood community. Congratulations, Doreen, on a welldeserved award.
Church yard and bake sale
St. Andrew’s Norwood, 19 Flora St. will hold its annual yard and bake sale and barbecue this Saturday from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the church lawn.
Aside from the traditional and varied assortment of items on offer, you may also stock up on the church’s famous meat pies and butter tarts or any of the many other homemade goodies available.
Fortify yourself for the bargain hunt with a freshly barbecued hamburger or hot dog or enjoy a homemade butter tart and coffee while you search. If you have items you would like to donate, please drop them off at the church on Friday or call 705-639-2190 for pickup or for more information.