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Couple hold award

Bill Lawrence – Outstanding Senior Citizen Award

Stella Lawrence – Exceptional Volunteer Appreciation Award

When you think about commitment to the community, Bill and Stella Lawrence are a couple that immediately come to mind. As evidenced this evening, our Municipality is clearly blessed by an abundance of “dynamic duos.”

This amazing team has been enriching life in Mississippi Mills through their volunteerism for more than 25 years.

Bill and Stella joined the Almonte Civitan Club in 2002 and through the years have held several positions on the Executive, Stella as a Director and Treasurer, with Bill enjoying four terms as President.

Bill would go on to serve as District Governor and International Director Region 5. He was also a Trustee of Civitan International Foundation of Canada for 10 years and a member of the International President’s Council. This dedication earned him many prestigious awards, including the Civitan of the Year and Club Honour Key awards, later followed by the District Honour Key in 2018.

The duo has been heavily involved Civitan fundraising activities, including the New Year’s Eve Dance, Lobsterfest, Canada Day barbecues and used their expertise to enhance the Junior Civitan program.

Bill and Stella have been equally devoted volunteers with 2nd Almonte Scouting, supporting Beaver, Cub and Scout programs; Stella has held position of Treasurer, while Bill served as a contact Scouter, as well as Group Commissioner for many years. They have been key champions of local Scouting through community fundraisers like Apple Day, pancake breakfasts, Christmas tree sales, bottle drives and more, as well as on a wider level with their support of national, provincial and international Jamborees.

As ex-military members, the pair are also the driving force the annual Remembrance Day display at Levi Home Hardware. They have carefully curated the showcase with memorabilia and other items to educate the community. This same care is put into Scouting history displays at events. The couple own and maintain an extensive collection with at least 3,000 items! Those fortunate enough to have seen both of these displays will understand.

Bill and Stella are heavily involved in a model train group, as well, comprised of train lovers and spotters of all ages.

Here’s what nominators had to say about Bill and Stella Lawrence and the impact they’ve had on the community:

  • “Bill and Stella have helped ensure that our Scouting organization has remained strong, while continuing to provide an outstanding service to help our community by continuing to produce good community citizens through ensuring that youth in our program gain strong environmental and moral values, as well as gaining outdoor skills, leadership skills, and a love and appreciation of nature.”

  • “Many their age are retired and settling into typical activities. Bill and Stella are busy. They care and contribute always.”

Congratulations to you both and thank you for your commitment to the betterment of our community.