Mary Lichty-Neeb honoured at OAAS convention for decades of volunteer service

At the recent annual OAAS convention, Mary Lichty-Neeb accepts the Paul Nother Award for exceptional work with the Wellesley fair and agricultural society. With her are William Morris, chair of the OAAS Past Presidents’ Association (left) and Paul Nother, whose company sponsors the annual award. Contributed photo

By Gary West

If there has ever been a volunteer in Wellesley and North Easthope townships who has done more for the community than Mary Lichty-Neeb, fair board member Wendy Richardson says she would be hard pressed to name one.

Richardson describes Lichty-Neeb as one of the most helpful, courteous and dedicated volunteers the Wellesley-North Easthope Agricultural Society has ever had.

“Mary has been the most hardworking and dedicated fair board member that anyone could imagine,” Richardson said, speaking on behalf of the Wellesley Agricultural Fair board.

Lichty-Neeb was recently recognized at the annual convention of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS), where she received an award honouring her longstanding volunteer commitment to the Wellesley Fall Fair and more than 50 years of service to the local community

In presenting the award, OAAS officials recognized Lichty-Neeb for her tireless dedication, knowledge, skill and deep love for the Wellesley fair. Fair directors say she routinely takes on roles that require countless hours of preparation and organization, while always welcoming others to lend a hand and learn from her experience.

They add that Lichty-Neeb ensures every detail is attended to and everything that needs to get done always does.

Beyond her work with the fair, Lichty-Neeb remains active in many other aspects of community life. She has been involved in the production and performance of the Watercourse Theatre production, Belonging in Wellesley, supports local 4-H and Junior Farmer programs, assists with the annual Taste the Culture event, and volunteers at the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival, among many other initiatives.

Those who know her say she is truly a cornerstone of the Wellesley-North Easthope Agricultural Society and the Wellesley Township Fall Fair, as well as a dedicated member of the broader OAAS community.